A Passion Redeemed (Daughters of Boston, #2)

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A Passion Redeemed (Daughters of Boston #2)

by Julie Lessman (Goodreads Author)

4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 · rating details · 1,046 ratings · 114 reviews

Graced with physical beauty, though shallow of heart, Charity O'Connor is a woman who knows what she wants. She sets her sights on the cantankerous Mitch Dennehy, editor at the Irish Times, who has unwittingly stolen her heart. And although the sparks are there, Mitch refuses to fan the coals of a potential relationship with his ex-fiancee's sister. But Charity has a plan...more

Paperback, 479 pages

Published September 1st 2008 by Fleming H. Revell Company

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May 27, 2011 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: julie-lessmans-books, christian-fiction, historical, favorites

'A Passion Redeemed' definitely redeemed Charity with me! I will tell you, had I known this book would have been focused on Charity when I finished 'A Passion Most Pure', I probably wouldn't have been anxiously awaiting this book. I love how Julie takes a character that I despised and turned her into a character that I now adore - I would have to say that is nothing short of AMAZING!

In 'A Passion Most Pure' I can honestly say that I couldn't stand her and many times just wanted to slap her! I co...more

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Aug 29, 2008 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: forreview, forpleasure, christianfiction, blog-tour-book, historicalfiction

Lessman has a knack for drama and angst with a heavy dose of passion. This story is no exception. And like a soap opera, you never quite know who will end up with whom and what will happen next. There is not a boring page in this entire novel. The tension rocks. There is a lot of pain and anger, as well as joy and deep sorrow. But the longing is what gets to me.

Don't we all long for love? And poor Charity was operating from a faulty point of view from the get-go. I found that quite profound, an...more Lessman has a knack for drama and angst with a heavy dose of passion. This story is no exception. And like a soap opera, you never quite know who will end up with whom and what will happen next. There is not a boring page in this entire novel. The tension rocks. There is a lot of pain and anger, as well as joy and deep sorrow. But the longing is what gets to me.

Don't we all long for love? And poor Charity was operating from a faulty point of view from the get-go. I found that quite profound, and well done. Charity had reasons for being sensual, complex, needy, and rejecting. She had deep-seated reasons for being manipulative as well. I've known so many girls and women like Charity, whose issues caused them to do insane things at times to try to get their way. But their behavior always stemmed from a profound fear of abandonment. I loved how the author portrayed this with such emotion.

I also loved how the romance between Charity's parents continued and enjoyed some of the profound talks--and interruptions--they had at night. In regards to the male point of view, Lessman does this well. They say the average man thinks about sex at least once every few minutes. If that is true (and I wouldn't know as I'm not a man) then she has that nailed as well.

While this story seemed more heavy on the physical attraction than a Passion Most Pure, it made sense given Charity's extreme beauty and seductive behavior that men would feel somewhat tortured around her. And like most women who've been hurt at a very young age, she blames herself for what happened with Rigan. While I didn't like it, that is so like real life situations.

Toward the end I was really hoping another relationship would work out, but I've discovered that with Lessman's Passion series, things don't usually change course and stay there, but the diversion still plays a large part in the healing. So even though I was a tad disappointed at the end, I know that means the third book will resolve that for me. I grew to care so much about one character that I wanted to see him happy. Not gonna happen in this book, but there is always potential in the next novel in the series. So I was still satisfied. But unfortunately, whenever I finish one of Lessman's books I am tortured by having to wait for the next installment.

Oh, and when it comes to sensual tension, this author does it better than anyone in the Christian fiction world today. And she has definitely extended the boundaries of what is "allowed" in the CBA, giving hope to other authors like myself, who see passion as being the spice of life and a true gift from God. :) Encore! (less)

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Nov 29, 2012 Veronica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, romance

I enjoyed this story, but I did feel like it was a lot tougher to read emotionally than book one of this series. Charity's made some bad choices and there are some harsh consequences for her to deal with. I ended up liking Charity more in this book because we see some of the reasons she is the way she is.

This picks up where book one left off and then jumps a year, to Charity trying to win Mitch no matter the cost and Mitch trying to get over his love for Faith. Even though Mitch is very attracte...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

After reading A Passion Most Pure, I knew that I wanted to keep up with the O'Connor family and read all of their stories. Once again with A Passion Redeemed, Julie Lessman has produced a beautifully written book with a big heart. I was curious to see how she would manage to redeem Charity, a character who absolutely drove me crazy in the first book. To be honest, she drove me crazy for most of this book, as well, because her supposed faith in God that she developed seemed (and in reality was) v...more After reading A Passion Most Pure, I knew that I wanted to keep up with the O'Connor family and read all of their stories. Once again with A Passion Redeemed, Julie Lessman has produced a beautifully written book with a big heart. I was curious to see how she would manage to redeem Charity, a character who absolutely drove me crazy in the first book. To be honest, she drove me crazy for most of this book, as well, because her supposed faith in God that she developed seemed (and in reality was) very superficial. To give Lessman credit, though, there is a reason for that, and we certainly learn some startling things about Charity's past. Unfortunately, Charity has to go through a great deal of pain to finally realize how wrong she's been and really turn her life around and gain a true understanding of God. By the end of the book, I really did feel for her and actually understood why she behaved the way she did for so long. I finally learned that she's got substance and heart--I think Charity had to learn that for herself, as well.

And then there's Mitch. He was one of my favorite characters from the first book and I was looking forward to reading more about him in A Passion Redeemed. And boy is he stubborn and pig-headed (and so is Charity!). I still have a difficult time understanding why he refused to let himself love Charity--oh, I understand being upset with her lies and attempts at seduction, but every time he would admit to himself that he still loved her. If that's the case, why risk hurting another woman (Kathleen, a woman he's already hurt in the past) whom he might not be able to love the way she deserved to be loved? In both of Lessman's books that has been explained by the passage in the Bible that tells us not to become "unequally yoked together with unbelievers." That's all well and good, though I often wonder if believers and unbelievers are brought together for a reason.

I have to admit that while this story was moving, I'm not sure I enjoyed it quite as much as the first book. (Spoiler Alert) By the end, I really had a hard time believing that Charity's family would welcome Mitch back with such open arms as if nothing had happened. (Perhaps they are just that solid in their Christianity and ability to forgive, though!) I rather felt like Mitch could have saved everyone a lot of grief if he just let himself love Charity and had decided to help her come to understand and love God as much as he did if that was really what was so important to him. But I must say that I can't deny Julie Lessman's ability to write an unforgettable page-turner and develop colorful characters. Her stories are NEVER boring! I enjoy the fact that she portrays people more realistically than some other Christian fiction authors I've read over the years. I'm very much looking forward to revisiting the O'Connor family in the third book, A Passion Denied.(less)

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May 17, 2009 Nora St Laurent rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked this story of faith, discovery and love. I enjoyed the sense of family Julie Lessman creates in her books. There is a wide array of fun-loving characters inside Charity’s family unit, and Julie makes you feel a part of their interaction.

Mitch is a man Charity has set out to get, but he tells her, “This is exactly why it won’t work between us. I have no room in my life for a stubborn, calculating woman who I can’t trust. Not to mention one with questionable moral values.” Mitch would rath...more I liked this story of faith, discovery and love. I enjoyed the sense of family Julie Lessman creates in her books. There is a wide array of fun-loving characters inside Charity’s family unit, and Julie makes you feel a part of their interaction.

Mitch is a man Charity has set out to get, but he tells her, “This is exactly why it won’t work between us. I have no room in my life for a stubborn, calculating woman who I can’t trust. Not to mention one with questionable moral values.” Mitch would rather die lonely than to marry a women who doesn’t have a personal relationship with God and he didn’t trust. No matter how beautiful Charity was or how she made him feel, nothing could ever happen between them. He would wait for a woman of faith no matter how long it took!

Charity is on a mission and has this to say about a higher power. “God has never done anything for me. He’s only taken—first the life of my favorite sister, then my father’s love, and now the beauty and joy of my best friend.” Charity thought if Mitch could just get in touch with how she made him feel, it would prove his love for her, and the fact that they were meant to be together.

I love how Julie delves into “What’s love?—true love! What does love look like?” Love is not based on feelings alone. Lust isn’t love. Charity has to learn the hard way that some of her tricks to manipulate love are costly. Mitch also, has some issues he needs to clear up in his own life before looking at loving again. They both had to deal with the consequences of past choices. Some decisions they’ve made changed their hearts and souls forever.

Charity was not one of my favorite characters in the first book. She got on my nerves and she does the same in this book, but the twist is I really got to know Charity, in A Passion Redeemed, book two in the Daughters of Boston Series. I learned about the woman behind the manipulative games, the white lies, and what made her tick. I can’t wait to read the third and final book in the series A Passion Denied. You’ll want to read the third book too.(less)

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Apr 19, 2009 Ruth rated it 5 of 5 stars

I liked "A Passion Most Pure," but I REALLY liked this book. Often I find that authors make a great beginning only to fizzle out as the series progresses, but this book was even better and I suspect the next one will be as good as, if not better, than even the first two in the series. I liked Charity O'Connor from the first book, even though some people didn't because I could understand why she tricked Mitch Dennehy into kissing her in order to get back at her sister, Faith, for taking Collin's...more I liked "A Passion Most Pure," but I REALLY liked this book. Often I find that authors make a great beginning only to fizzle out as the series progresses, but this book was even better and I suspect the next one will be as good as, if not better, than even the first two in the series. I liked Charity O'Connor from the first book, even though some people didn't because I could understand why she tricked Mitch Dennehy into kissing her in order to get back at her sister, Faith, for taking Collin's affections.

This book takes off where the first one left off. Faith and Collin are engaged, and Charity remains in Ireland with her grandmother and great-grandmother. She loves her job and Mitch. But Mitch won't have anything to do with her since he blames her for breaking him and Faith apart. I can also understand Mitch's side too, which is what makes these two characters realistic and likeable. Charity uses her beauty to seduce him, but he wants a woman who follows God, so he keeps refusing her. It was fun to watch what ploy Charity would pull next, though it did eventually come at a heartbreaking price, which is often the case when we keep playing with sin.

Besides her usual fun and spirited personality (with a dash of humor), I enjoyed watching Charity as she progressed from pursuing her will to following God's. Her conversion doesn't happen right away and she swings back and forth. The desire for God does emerge but her own wishes get in the way, which I have found to be true in my life. It is very hard to follow God when His will doesn't match ours, and Julie Lessman did an excellent job of displaying this.

Mitch is strongly attracted to her, and he does love her, but he has to fight the temptation she offers. This makes for a whole lot of chemistry and kept me turning the pages. I give Julie Lessman many kudos for daring to write about sexual desire in a Christian love story. In both books now, she has demonstrated the beauty of sex and when it is and is not appropriate. The characters she has created have grabbed my heart and I can't wait to read book three.
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Jul 16, 2012 Rachelle Rea rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved a snippet of this story from one of Julie Lessman's posts on Seekerville so much that I went out and bought A Passion Redeemed. I loved it so much...Charity and Mitch were a trip all right! The best part though is that even though she's quite a character, I always found her needling her way into my heart, despite the many times I wanted to give her a good shaking. :)

And I could have cried at the end. I've never been that concerned that the lord and lady on the cover wouldn't actually ge...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Caitlyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Wow , wow, wow, is the first thing I can say about is book. As a high school student our teacher encourages us to read read read. I am a very picky person when it comes to reading a book, the book has to pop out to me. When i got these series by Julie Lessman for Christmas last year ,i was instantly drawn to them. I could not put this book down. In this book Charity O'Connor has never been rejected by any man, oh so she thought. When her sister married her old crush, she fell for her sisters ex-...more

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Jan 21, 2013 Danica Page (One Page at a Time) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, by-an-author-i-ve-read-before, adult-fiction, christian-fiction, romance, historical-fiction, own-copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: Charity O'Connor is determined to win Mitch's heart. There's just a few problems. One, Mitch hates her and blames her for ruining his relationship with Faith, the only woman he's ever really loved. And now, Charity has set her sights on him, he's furious. Charity is a shallow girl used to getting her way. She has no depth and no religion in her life. And for Mitch, a pretty face just isn't enough.

Charity knows it won't be easy to win...more

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Feb 22, 2012 Jen W. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

What a fantastic book! After reading A Passion Most Pure I just knew I was going to love this book, well I sure did love it and I think I loved it even more! Julie Lessman does an amazing job at weaving together this story filled with so many characters, multiple plot lines and so much depth that I started to forget that the characters are just fictional. She is an author truly blessed by God with the gift of writing and I am so grateful that I have found her books. They will remain favorites fo...more

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Dec 14, 2009 Zette rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really struggled with how to rate this book. I truly enjoy Julie Lessman's writing style and the fact that she shows Christians as real people who struggle with real passions, sins, and doubts. I would have probably given this book 5 stars if I liked Charity's character at all. Unfortunately through the majority of the book, I just kept hoping and praying that Mitch would dump her and fall hopelessly in love with Kathleen who I thought was a much more likeable character and a more believable c...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Julie Graves rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, christian

Charity O'Connor has decided that Mitch Dennehey is the only man for her. He stirs her passion and she stirs his. But Mitch is still in love with Charity's sister Faith. He wants nothing to do with Charity knowing in his heart that he could never trust her. Mitch sets out to forget both O'Connor women and court Kathleen, one of the sweetest women he knows next to Faith. She has always loved him and Mitch knows that given time he will come to love her as well.

Charity hatches a plan with Mitch's e...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Carrie Pagels rated it 5 of 5 stars

World War I has ended and Charity O’Connor determines that she will have Mitch for her husband. Except that because of his relationship with her sister, Faith, Mitch does not want Charity as a wife, because she does not have the Lord in her life. This is the second of the current five novels in this and the next series of the O’Connors, an Irish Catholic family, living in Boston and Ireland.
In some ways Charity represents we as sinners who act in the flesh, looking only for our own wants. While...more

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May 13, 2011 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, made-me-cry, favorites, re-reads, loved-it

I really enjoyed this book and I'm anxious to read the others in the series as well, now. It took a few chapters to really get into the book to the point where I just couldn't put it down because as much as I wanted to, I just couldn't like Charity a whole lot. She's a spoiled brat who schemes and plots to get what she wants. But I think that's actually why I liked it so much. It was realistic. If we look at most people that closely, they're not going to be easy to love.
Despite not really wanti...more

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May 24, 2013 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Picking up where the first book left off, Charity O'Conner is wanting to stay in Ireland with her grandmother and great-grandmother. She has started working at a retail store, with a new best friend named Emma. On the other hand, handsome Mitch Dennehey has caught her eye. As we find out in the first book, Faith and Mitch have a brief fling and Mitch falls in love with her. Wary of the sister that has ruined many a relationship before, Mitch isn't too keen of falling in love with Charity. But it...more

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Feb 15, 2010 Casey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Charity O’Connor puts all of her worth and meaning of life into her outward beauty. Longing for a man who refuses her advances, Charity does everything within her power with tragic results. Will she finally turn to the love of God, or blame Him when she doesn’t get her way?
Often in a series of books, characters who played a minor role in the first and then get a major role in the second often come across as perfect in the first and suddenly flawed in the second. It is often what makes series dif...more

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Jan 29, 2013 Kandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Like other reviewers, I was amazed that the author could take the character we most loved to hate and reveal her hardships and background and weaknesses...and make her adorable! I almost didn't want to read this book, because in the first novel Charity is such a stinker. All through the series, we see bits and pieces and hints of Charity's orneriness all through the series. Her snarkiness and deceptive nature show up in almost every book! But somehow, in spite of that, we see her vulnerability a...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Kara rated it 4 of 5 stars

I soooo enjoyed how the book starts out with the O’Connor family together again with Collin and Faith properly engaged and life is looking good for this beloved family. However, Redeemed is Charity’s story and she was a challenging character for me to like.

Most of the story is in Ireland where Charity has made a life for herself with her grandmother and great grandmother. She has plans to own a shop and somehow get Mitch to propose to her. Charity GENUINELY loves Mitch, but the ways she goes abo...more I soooo enjoyed how the book starts out with the O’Connor family together again with Collin and Faith properly engaged and life is looking good for this beloved family. However, Redeemed is Charity’s story and she was a challenging character for me to like.

Most of the story is in Ireland where Charity has made a life for herself with her grandmother and great grandmother. She has plans to own a shop and somehow get Mitch to propose to her. Charity GENUINELY loves Mitch, but the ways she goes about trying to capture his heart in return were both foolish and unthinkable for me to read about. *shaking my head* There’s one scene where Charity goes to meet the family of her suitor and the whole atmosphere was creepy! This family used their dysfunctionality as every day common manners and despite Charity’s worldly ways, even she was utterly uncomfortable about how she would fit into such a family.

Issues that are dealt with in this story are: physical abuse, sexual abuse, rape, infidelity, deception and forgiveness (both for others and for self). Nothing is detailed within the book, but discussed in conversations, implied, or prayed about. Lessman does a stand up job developing characters that are impacted by each of these issues. Despite this book NOT being a light read, it successfully tackles what many Christians face within their own families or in their loved ones and how they can be overcome with God’s love and devotion.

The real enjoyment of this story is seeing how Charity FINALLY submits to God, allows her family to FINALLY love her as she heals, and once and for all learning to forgive HERSELF and the breakthrough that follows these revelations. I had trouble throughout the story liking this girl, but my heart broke for her more than once as she trusts the wrong man to help her, she believes lies from the enemy that tell her she’s worthless without her seductive ways and looks, she doesn’t realize how LOVED she is from her family and God until almost the end of the book, and she constantly looks to men to ease her loneliness. I was deeply touched by the O’Connors love and support of Charity and it was wonderful to see her blossom and grow up even though she does so the hard way.

I couldn’t stand how she constantly deceives Mitch and her family to get her own way, but Charity is such a good example of what not to do. And for anyone who can relate to Charity directly or indirectly, her journey is a wonderful lesson of hope. This story deeply illustrates how God works relentlessly to win over those who struggle with lonely and insecure hearts going to the wrong people/places to fill that empty void. Even though Redeemed is not my favorite book in this series, it is a necessary and profound lesson of how love in Christ conquers all. I’m also grateful for the men in this story who have self-control and seek God in their weak moments. One of my favorite parts of the story is when Charity is healing and she seeks out her parents one night as she has trouble falling asleep.

This is their response to her: “Charity smiled. How in the world had she been blessed with such parents? ‘Yes.’ ‘Good. Then we’ll do that. But first, I want you to know something. Never in one breath of your life have we ever been ashamed of you, Charity O’Connor. Befuddled, perhaps, sometimes angry, and occasionally frustrated, but never—I repeat never—have you brought shame to your father’s heart or mine. You have been a joy to our souls, and I don’t think that deep down you ever really knew that. Know it now, daughter, and know it well. God isn’t the only one who loves you with a depth beyond your apprehension.’ Charity clutched her mother in a joyous sob. She felt Marcy’s gentle stroking while her father’s strong hand kneaded her back.” That part of the story was healing for my soul.

I’m looking forward to reading the last book in this series and I’m so grateful to see how the O’Connors have endured.
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Nov 10, 2011 Veronica rated it 5 of 5 stars

I guess that i see myself and all of Julie's characters. Faith is the woman that I wanna be. Charity is the woman that I used to be, stubborn and not as strong in my faith with God as I should be. And a woman who used guys to get what I want. I connected with charity on a personal level because I wanted guys to see me as the most beautiful girl in the world and sometimes it worked, but not always. Of course returning to Christ didn't resemble hers but it did take a lot of obstacles to make me do...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to say I was excited for Julie's second novel, not because of Charity's story, but because I couldn't wait to read more about Mitch. He ended up being my favorite male lead from the first book and after the end of a "Passion Most Pure" wanted to see where Julie would take Mitch from there. I wasn't sure if I would love A Passion Redeemed like I had adored A Passion Most Pure knowing this book was Charity-centric. I did like reading her character growth and had more understanding for her b...more

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Apr 19, 2013 Salyna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: extremely-emotional, favorites, lots-of-romance

This second book in the Daughters of Boston series was not a disappointment! It was great! I really felt for the characters in this book.

Mitch. I am so proud of him! He really changed his life around for the better when he met Faith in A Passion Most Pure. I love how he wouldn't settle for anything less in a relationship than both him and his wife being followers of Christ. I felt so bad for him when I read this book. Knowing he couldn't have his hearts desire because she did not have a relation...more This second book in the Daughters of Boston series was not a disappointment! It was great! I really felt for the characters in this book.

Mitch. I am so proud of him! He really changed his life around for the better when he met Faith in A Passion Most Pure. I love how he wouldn't settle for anything less in a relationship than both him and his wife being followers of Christ. I felt so bad for him when I read this book. Knowing he couldn't have his hearts desire because she did not have a relationship with God. It broke my heart! How much it devastated him mad me want to cry.

Charity. She's starting to grow on me. Reading this book I got to see her point of view on things and see how she treated other people than her family. She really does have a kind heart even though her relationship with her family needed a lot of work. You get to see her kindness by the way she treats her friend Emma. I loved how the book dug down deep into Charity's personal issues, showing me why she was the way she was. Then to see her transformation was incredible, even though she still has a long way to go.

This book really showed me the devastation of heart break. It showed me not to settle for anything less than what I know God has planned for me. That if i'm patient and obedient he will reward me with the desire of my heart.

It also did a really good job at showing the consequences of a persons sins. The book used this verse a few times: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord- Romans 6:22-23. Charity did many things that were not honorable, and after she did them it would say she felt dead inside. I don't think the verse means litteral death, but that you will feel used, unholy, like nothings important anymore, like no one cares..etc. That's when we realize that not commiting sin will give us the knowledge of Gods love, the gift of eternal life, and our riches in heaven. What's better than that?

I hope this review helps you decide whether or not to read A Passion Redeemed.:) I pray that if you read it you will get what I got out of it or possibly even more!

Please visit my blog for more reviews at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/(less)

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May 02, 2009 Jane rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think the title to this book is great. It really is what the book is about. It starts with passion and that passion is renewed at the end of the book. Charity's life becomes so entwined in so many different avenues throughout this book. One of the things I liked about this book was it kept you guessing what would happen next. It was like life - when you think you have it figured out, things happen. Life happens and moves in areas one is not expecting. It also shows how sometimes when we try to...more

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Dec 27, 2009 Darlene rated it 4 of 5 stars

These books were almost not purchased due to the "controversial" opinions about the "steamy sex" in a Christian book.

I ask..."Where was it?". The books were tastefully written, and frankly unless you are from a non-human species...romance and relationships are a part of the human race!!! (and may I add...sanctioned by "God" himself). The relationships were within a marriage, and outside of marriage...only kissing occurred! Good heavens people...get a grip on reality...and yes, I am very much a C...more

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Nov 17, 2012 Rosie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Once again, Miss Lessman was able to enamor and frustrate me all at once.

It certainly did not help that this book was about Charity (you know, the single O'Connor I don't like) either. As I cracked open the book I mused to myself, "A Passion Redeemed to be sure." I can't say that this book made me love Charity, but it did lessen the dislike... a little.

I liked Mitch previously from A Passion Most Pure and was, at first, kind of upset he was falling for Charity, of all people. But, Miss Lessman w...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Timothy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-reviewed-in-2013

A Passion Redeemed, by Julie Lessman, is the second book in her Daughters of Boston series, and it is a pretty good novel, with the exception of one glaring issue I have with it. The book follows right on the heels of the first book, A Passion Most Pure, where Faith O'Connor and Collin McGuire (who recently returned from serving in World War I) are now engaged. Then it switches to Ireland several months later, and focuses for the rest of the book on the relationship trials of Faith's younger sis...more A Passion Redeemed, by Julie Lessman, is the second book in her Daughters of Boston series, and it is a pretty good novel, with the exception of one glaring issue I have with it. The book follows right on the heels of the first book, A Passion Most Pure, where Faith O'Connor and Collin McGuire (who recently returned from serving in World War I) are now engaged. Then it switches to Ireland several months later, and focuses for the rest of the book on the relationship trials of Faith's younger sister, Charity, and her would-be suitor, Mitch Dennehy.

This book is a much less “hopeful” book than the first one, and all the more poignant for all of that. Mitch has many demons (typical of romance of any kind) with which he must deal, as does Charity. The thing is that I found myself rolling my eyes at how predictable Mitch's “dark secrets” were, while I was quite struck by Charity's. Without giving too much away, what happened to Charity actually explains a lot.

Don't get me wrong, some folks sin just to sin, and even those who have been hurt in the past are still guilty if they sin. The thing is, that God has given us all (this is my Biblical spin on the psychological literature and views) certain inhibitions and limits. We observe them naturally to protect ourselves and those around us. To violate these natural, God-given inhibitions is simply unnatural, and usually isn't done without some amount of pressure causing the person to change. This is what, on the issue of death and violence, the military does in “breaking down folks”, getting them to get past the natural inability to take a life. Similarly, there are many who would not have done “x” action, had they not been harmed before. Again, this doesn't excuse their sins, but it does make them more understandable, and, sadly, almost expected.

The pace of Charity's conversion to the faith was quite realistic, though a tad rushed at the end. This is partly explained in that she had been veering towards turning to God for some time, but didn't until one last situation broke her. This isn't the “easy conversion” garbage that too many authors unrealistically peddle.

Unfortunately, the “event” that surrounded Charity's conversion is the focus of my main problem with the novel. Spoiler alert here, so stop reading now if you don't want to know what happens: Charity is raped. I don't have a problem with the topic being used for the story, as Lessman handles it with some realism and respect.... up until she doesn't. You see, Lessman has Charity outright conclude that her being raped was God's punishment for her sins, as were some other bad things that happened to her around that time. She somehow deserved it all, and she even admits how wrong she was to “lead on” the rapist, and hurt his feelings.

Part of me can understand where Lessman is going here. Charity is trying to be a faithful new Christian, and so she prays for her attacker. She is also suffering from the shame many rape victims feel. Fair enough, but the problem is that her central conclusions are presented as correct! It's her fault? God did it to punish her? I doubt that Lessman intends to send this message in general, but it sure sounds like she thinks victims bring it on themselves. The fact that she portrays such monsters (as Charity's rapist) as entirely wrong, and their victims as victims and not deserving it, in later books shows she doesn't have this horrible viewpoint at all. But goodness gracious, had I not read the later books, I would have come away from this work with this negative impression of Lessman. Add to this that she has Mitch act in a way that is totally inappropriate for someone to act towards a rape victim, and hoo-boy!

In fairness, this was the 1920's, where less of the psychological effects of rape were known, and the stigma of reporting it was greater even than today, though not nearly so bad as some believe it to have been. In many ways, this was very much a case of “truth in television” if you will. It just left a bad taste in my mouth, and one that really detracted from what otherwise would be a book I'd have really enjoyed reading.(less)

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Sep 12, 2010 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Charity O'Connor is by far one of the most complex characters I have ever encountered. The villain that I despised in "A Passion Most Pure" now becomes the heroine I love in "A Passion Redeemed". In all honesty, I was not sure how Julie Lessman was going to pull off such a monumental task! With the finesse of a true story teller, she heart-breakingly weaves the story of Charity O'Connor, showing that no one is beyond the point of redemption. Another story filled with passion, deceit, and the God...more

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Oct 08, 2010 Elizabeth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, favorites

I've had a hard time loving Charity ever since she pulled that stunt in A Passion Most Pure, and I wasn't sure if I could EVER like her, but I did. Her character really developed in this book. She went from just a spiteful, spoiled little girl to someone with deep, unhealed emotional scars.

This book was really well written and the story was wonderful! There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot that kept me reading well into the night (and the next morning) many times. I felt really conne...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R23NIXYJ...
Review to be posted on my blog later: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

Well, A Passion Redeemed definitely changed my opinion of Charity and Mitch. I had liked both characters from reading A Passion Most Pure (yes, even Charity, though she could be really frustrating at times), but it wasn't until reading this book that they both became favorites of mine... along with Brady. :)

Julie Lessman definitely knows how to weave a gripping...more Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R23NIXYJ...
Review to be posted on my blog later: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

Well, A Passion Redeemed definitely changed my opinion of Charity and Mitch. I had liked both characters from reading A Passion Most Pure (yes, even Charity, though she could be really frustrating at times), but it wasn't until reading this book that they both became favorites of mine... along with Brady. :)

Julie Lessman definitely knows how to weave a gripping tale! I found myself "on-the-edge" of my seat wondering what was going to happen throughout this book, and even though I thought I knew who (if anyone) Charity would end up with, I found myself second guessing. There was so much in this story I did NOT see coming and it definitely showed Charity (and why she acted the way she did) in a new light.

I LOVED the redemption story in A Passion Redeemed! I even got a little teary-eyed while reading because it was so powerful! Also, Charity made me laugh really hard a few times during this book (especially during one scene that shall remain nameless here)...which is just another reason I loved this book!

There was really only one thing I didn't personally care for and that was when characters heard a voice or thought in their head and it seemed to be from God. While most of the time it was just scripture, there were a few times it wasn't and that just is a pet-peeve of mine.

Still, I loved A Passion Redeemed so much and am giving it 5 stars (it was sooo close to becoming a favorite!). Same as with the first book, I would only recommend A Passion Redeemed to mature readers who enjoy romantic/historical books because there is a lot of passionate scenes and things mentioned that wouldn't be appropriate for young readers. If this book sounds like something for you, then I encourage you to try it, BUT make sure you read A Passion Most Pure first, because otherwise many things will be spoiled for you. This is definitely a series best read in order. :)

*I borrowed a copy of this book. I was not required to write a review, but chose to. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*(less)

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Feb 13, 2012 Jocelyn Green rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

The author did such a great job making Charity the villain in the first book, she had her work cut out for her in now making her fit the heroine role. But she did it. By the end of the first few chapters, you go from thinking Charity is rotten to thinking she really isn't so bad. Misguided, perhaps, but good at heart.
As the novel develops, readers get a window into the past for both Charity and Mitch, rounding out their characters even more.
A new villain is introduced and oh my, he is evil. But...more

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Nov 18, 2011 Erica Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, favorites, christian-fiction, historical-fiction

While I still think A Passion Denied, Book 3 of the Daughters of Boston series is still my favorite, I think that this one comes close to second favorite. I can't decide between it and A Passion Most Pure! Both were amazing, the whole series captured my heart and if I were to choose favorite characters...well I couldn't because they each took a piece of my heart from each member of the O'Connor family to the best friends of the family like Emma. This book was meant to capture hearts, and the fir...more

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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 Most Pure (Daughters of Boston, #1)

A Passion Denied (Daughters of Boston, #3)

A Love Surrendered (Winds of Change, #3)

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A Passion Redeemed (Daughters of Boston #2)

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