A Passion Denied (Daughters of Boston, #3)

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A Passion Denied (Daughters of Boston #3)

by Julie Lessman (Goodreads Author)

4.26 of 5 stars 4.26 · rating details · 783 ratings · 117 reviews

Young Elizabeth O'Connor is the little sister John Brady always longed for. But she wants much more than that from her spiritual mentor. As she blossoms into a beautiful young woman intent on loving John, he must push back the very real attraction he feels for her. His past just won't let him go there. Unfortunately, Lizzie won't let him go anywhere else--until she discove...more

Paperback, 475 pages

Published May 1st 2009 by Fleming H. Revell Company

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Sep 08, 2010 TJ rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: turn-of-the-century-historical, historical-romance, clean

Sometimes, it seems that when reviewing a faith-based novel, one is doomed for failure. How does one criticize without sounding like a blasphemer? It is also one of the hardest genres to write a truly good book in. To accomplish the goal, the author must take a principle and weave it into the story so well that it doesn't detract while still teaching the concept. Of course, the perfect example of this comes in Jesus, himself, who used stories (parables) to enlighten and teach his most important...more Sometimes, it seems that when reviewing a faith-based novel, one is doomed for failure. How does one criticize without sounding like a blasphemer? It is also one of the hardest genres to write a truly good book in. To accomplish the goal, the author must take a principle and weave it into the story so well that it doesn't detract while still teaching the concept. Of course, the perfect example of this comes in Jesus, himself, who used stories (parables) to enlighten and teach his most important messages. Pounding and preaching the point wasn't necessary, the story itself enlightened the principle.

In the first book of "Daughters of Boston" series, Ms. Lessman accomplished this goal to perfection. "A Passion Most Pure" was a riveting story that left the reader moved, enlightened and thoroughly satisfied. It is also one of the best faith based novels I have ever read. Something collapsed however between that book and this one. In "A Passion Denied", all the subtlety of the message was lost, replaced by overt and endless preaching, pounding and scripture quoting. It's easier that way but rarely is it better and never is the lesson learned as well. While the story, itself, was a very good one, it was so overwhelmed by the attempted sermon, we lost the beauty of it.

Lessman also seemed so intent on teaching that she forgot to focus. One or two principles, painted well can have a life-changing effect. A whole pitcher full just dilutes the genius until nothing is really learned. Lizzie, John and her family seemed to deal with every temptation known to man all in one book. At times we are so confused at which vice we are supposed to be focusing on, we totally lose the point. At the very least, the reader will walk away from this story with a headful of semi-ideas on biblical principles and a story that would have been awesome if one could have found it. At the very worst, one might walk away feeling bludgeoned by all the hype and choose never to cross the "Christian" line again.(less)

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Jan 10, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: clean, historical-romance, inspiration-romance, own, to-read-again, favorites, tortured-hero, swoon-worthy-heroes, special-favorites

AAAAHHHH, I LOVE Brady!! He is very religious, but he's also a brooding, angry man under it all, so he's not goody-goody or boring by any means! And I LOVE, LOVE that when it came time for his "secret" to be told/found out, things didn't just go smoothly and everybody just go, "It's OK, we love you anyway..." There was true, raw, crazy emotions that erupted, and things got crazy, twisty, turny...SO GOOD!! Have to give this 5 STARS!! I had a few annoyances with this book, but they were overshado...more

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Feb 26, 2013 Malory rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, romance, series

I loved the fact that they were both Christians in this book and Lizzie was a character I could identify with. They both struggled with issues that are common to many people.

Brady, despite being a well read Christian and deeply in love with God, struggled with the concept of being a new creation in Christ and couldn't quite let his past go. He was deeply ashamed of what had happened and instead of moving on, he let the sin weigh on him until it was controlling his life instead of God. Lizzie, h...more I loved the fact that they were both Christians in this book and Lizzie was a character I could identify with. They both struggled with issues that are common to many people.

Brady, despite being a well read Christian and deeply in love with God, struggled with the concept of being a new creation in Christ and couldn't quite let his past go. He was deeply ashamed of what had happened and instead of moving on, he let the sin weigh on him until it was controlling his life instead of God. Lizzie, had an ideal of what a perfect man would be and decided Brady was that man. For the most part she was correct. He was sweet, loved God, and handsome, but she placed him on such a high pedestal that when his past was finally brought out into the open Lizzie had a hard time comprehending because she found out he had flaws just like everyone else.

The one thing I didn't like about this book was how they discussed wives and submitting to their husbands. Up until know I have found Ms. Lessman's theology biblically sound but I didn't agree with how the word respect was used interchangeably with submit. You can respect your husband without submitting to his will. I feel submission has such a negative connotation in and out of the church that we try and sugar coat so that people's feelings aren't hurt. I struggled with this myself because I had never had a clear idea what that looked like within a marriage. Submission isn't blindly doing whatever your husband dictates but deferring to his sound judgement when there is an issue that arises. My husband and I discuss problems that arise in our marriage and when we disagree we'll pray about it and if we still disagree afterwards (which is mostly me trying to be as stubborn as possible) I need to trust that the decision my husband chooses is best for us and our family. Husbands should never make decisions based on their own feelings and whims, for it says "husbands love your wife, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." (Eph. 5:25) Meaning, love them so much that you are willing to give up your life for her.

Other than that problem with the book, I thought the material was well suited for all types of Christians as well as non-believers. There are issues in there that Christians don't like discussing but struggle with on a daily basis. Instead of shoving it under the rug (like Brady tried to do) we need to be open about and allow God to cleanse us of our sin so we can move on to live an unburdened life, content in knowing God's forgiveness.(less)

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Jul 16, 2012 Rachelle Rea rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved a snippet of the story before this one 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 would...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

With A Passion Denied, Julie Lessman has brought to life another incredible story about the O'Connor family. While I enjoyed both of the first two books in the series, the first, A Passion Most Pure, was definitely my favorite between the two. For me, this book reminded me very much of that one and I found myself unable to put it down, but fortunately I was not awake until 3:00am this time around! While this story focuses on Lizzie, I was happy to see that we were able to keep up with what is go...more With A Passion Denied, Julie Lessman has brought to life another incredible story about the O'Connor family. While I enjoyed both of the first two books in the series, the first, A Passion Most Pure, was definitely my favorite between the two. For me, this book reminded me very much of that one and I found myself unable to put it down, but fortunately I was not awake until 3:00am this time around! While this story focuses on Lizzie, I was happy to see that we were able to keep up with what is going on with Faith and Charity, as well.

And let me tell you, all of these O'Connors are a very passionate family! In fact, sometimes I feel like they might be too passionate--or a better way of putting it is that they are very open about it. There were some conversations that took place and I tried to envision them happening in my family and it just wasn't working. In fact, I personally would probably have been embarrassed to have some of the conversations that were had between some of the family members!

But all of that aside, Lessman has an amazing gift for telling a great, fast-paced story with lots of twists and turns. On more than one occasion I found myself saying, "Are you serious?!" when certain events unfolded. I love getting to know all of the characters even better, and it's always great to have a new hero to love--in this case, it's Brady. I definitely liked him--and really, it's hard to have a favorite among these men--but boy is he so darn stubborn sometimes! Then again, many men are. :-) In the end, Lessman is always able to wrap everything up with a nice bow, though. Without giving away too much, let me also mention that there is a little side plot involving Marcy and Patrick's marriage that also added another element to the story and gave it greater depth.

Bottom Line: if you've read either of the first two books and enjoyed them, you're sure to like A Passion Denied, as well. If you haven't read any and have any interest in Christian/Historical fiction, you should definitely give these a try! My contest to win one of Julie Lessman's books is a great way to do that!(less)

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Nov 10, 2011 Veronica rated it 5 of 5 stars

I relate to all of the girls in this series. Faith is the woman that I want to be. Charity is the woman that I was. Lizzie is the woman that I am. Just like her I love reading (hence me writing a book review) :) but I also know what I want, and I wait, I have patience, from God of course, and I know that God gives whatever your heart or my heart desires because we choose to delight in Him with all our hearts. This book was a blessing to me. I knew it was the finale to the series but since I read...more

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Mar 22, 2011 Christy rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you are looking for the greatest series in Christian fiction right now, then look no further than the Daughters of Boston series by Julie Lessman. I put off reading these books for months (why, I have no idea), but they were so well worth the wait. Never have I read such an edgy series that just sucked me in so much that I couldn’t seem to read fast enough.

I have to admit that this third book, A Passion Denied, was probably my favorite of the Daughters of Boston series. While the first two ar...more

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Dec 05, 2009 Livvie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE

The saying goes "All good things must come to an end", and therefore Julie Lessman brings us the conclusion of her Christian romance series "Daughters of Boston" with "A Passion Denied". Which I have to say is AWESOME! It focuses on the third daughter in the O'Connor clan, Elizabeth (Known as Lizzie in the first two books; Beth in this book). You get swept up not only in Beth's romance with Brady, but continue with Faith and Charity and their husbands. You learn that submission isn't just bendin...more

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May 28, 2009 Ruth rated it 5 of 5 stars

For years Beth O’Connor has filled the role of ideal little sister in John Brady’s life, her girlish admiration and pure friendship a balm to his wounded soul. Their friendship grew over a mutual love of books and shared faith, and Brady has willingly filled the role of friend and mentor, until one day he blinks – and little Beth has transformed into Lizzie, a young woman determined to capture his heart. However, Brady has a past that’s left him convinced that love and marriage are not in his fu...more For years Beth O’Connor has filled the role of ideal little sister in John Brady’s life, her girlish admiration and pure friendship a balm to his wounded soul. Their friendship grew over a mutual love of books and shared faith, and Brady has willingly filled the role of friend and mentor, until one day he blinks – and little Beth has transformed into Lizzie, a young woman determined to capture his heart. However, Brady has a past that’s left him convinced that love and marriage are not in his future – a past he’s determined to shelter from Lizzie. But Lizzie comes from stubborn O’Connor stock and won’t give up on her dream romance just because her hero says so. When the revelation of Brady’s past rocks her world and shatters her idealistic image of the man, Lizzie must decide whether or not she can fight for the man with a past. A Passion Denied proves that a love refined in the fires of God’s grace and redemption is a gift stronger than any schoolgirl’s fantasy, stronger than the condemning weight from the guilt of one’s past. God can redeem it all – if only one will allow it.

A Passion Denied grabbed me from the start and absolutely would not let go (and considering the novel clocks in at well over 400 pages, that’s saying something!). I can relate to Lizzie in so many ways – not only because of her love of reading and dreams of romance (not to mention the fact she works in a bookshop!), but the way in which those romantic flights of fancy informed her view of Brady and what makes a “perfect man.” Ladies, you know it’s true – we’re wired to respond to romance, but if we’re not careful, the fictions of the world can skew our perspective. A human placed on a pedestal must come crashing down by virtue of the fact of his or her human failings and imperfections – but when God redeems the broken and weak, the possibilities are endless. Not only does Lizzie have some growing up to do, but Brady must learn to forgive himself and accept God’s forgiveness. This expert balance of human passion, failings, and redemption is what elevates Lessman’s writing from “just another romance novel” to a gripping story that will leave you mulling over the characters and their choices long after you read the final pages.

Lessman doesn’t limit herself to only writing about “new” romance, a fact which I absolutely love. All of the characters from the first two volumes in the series are still writing their own love stories, and the continued glimpses into their lives only add to the depth of this novel. Lessman writes about marriages both relatively new and established, and proves, unlike a lot of fiction out there, that life isn’t magically perfect and the passion doesn’t end once boy gets girl and they walk down the aisle. In fact, Lessman proves more than ever that she’s a real “drama queen” when it comes to torturing her characters. She demonstrates through her characters’ lives that life doesn’t just end perfectly with the initial “happy ending” – there are still challenges to meet and growth that must be achieved, allowing love to grow deeper with time. And this is where Lessman confirms she’s not just a master of writing compelling, pulse-pounding romance - she’s a master at writing relationships. Just because her characters may be Christians doesn’t mean they’re infallible – far from it! But there’s a solid undergirding of biblical truth and precepts that’s always abundantly clear throughout her writing – when God is your rock and the lover of your soul, all things are possible.

I cannot believe we have to wait until summer 2010 for the next book, the start of a new trilogy that will tell the stories of the youngest O’Connors. Bravo, Ms. Lessman, for another beautifully told story that places passion in a Godly context!(less)

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May 02, 2009 Donald James Parker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Julie Lessman is a master (or should I use the term mistress) of taking her readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Her characters, despite the fact she has so many of them involved in the story, come alive as real people and not caricatures gilded with religious veneer. The extended Connor family members are normally admirable but not flawless people. They try to cling to God, but the common struggles all humans must deal with in the areas of pride and passion never stray far from their doo...more Julie Lessman is a master (or should I use the term mistress) of taking her readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Her characters, despite the fact she has so many of them involved in the story, come alive as real people and not caricatures gilded with religious veneer. The extended Connor family members are normally admirable but not flawless people. They try to cling to God, but the common struggles all humans must deal with in the areas of pride and passion never stray far from their door. The exposé of pride and its damaging effects is one of the highlights of this book. I would hazard a guess that pride has killed more marriages than lust. Julie does a great job of convincing her readers that if they want precious love to last, pride must be laid aside so the spouse can come astride and peace can abide. (Sorry, I just had a poetic moment). At times I was provoked enough to want to slap one of the characters on the side of the head and tell them to wake up and smell the Irish coffee. I had to keep telling myself, this is just a book.

This is not a lightweight work in more than one regard (it contains nearly 500 pages). Most of the action involves some aspect of romance, even among the married couples. This is not erotica, but the mention of sexual arousal and foreplay is not an infrequent visitor to the plotline. This book will not be confused with a Janette Oke story. I think it is healthy for Christians to acknowledge that they are human and have sexual appetites. This book might contain an excess of the sexual passion aspect, but the lesson is well delivered – sexual passion without God’s love is a recipe for disaster. Decisions based on the heat of moment may freeze the blood in the future. So despite being prominent throughout the story, passion is not enthroned here. A wealth of scriptural references provide a counterbalance to the passion pitting desire to please oneself against desire to please God. Much of the conflict in the story arises within the characters dealing with this internal tug of war. Another cute element of conflict was the relationship between almost eleven-year-old Katie and a street Urchin named Cluny, a young teenager befriended by Brady. Katie’s precocious comments massaged my funny bone.

The author seemed to take pains to spice up the story by introducing elements of the society in this timeframe. Thoroughly Modern Millie came to my mind as Lizzie’s haircut was described in the beginning of the story. Ironically, the character pushing Beth to embrace modernism with her stylish new name of Lizzie and hairdo was named Millie. Things like Keds, toasters, Saltines, and basketball hoops made cameo appearances. I actually did some research to make sure the copy editor didn’t mess up here and checked on a few dates to make sure they were around in 1922.

Julie even managed to smuggle in the dreaded submission clause from Ephesians. Her take on it was interesting: submission = respect. Men want to be respected above all else, and if they receive that precious commodity, they are able to cherish their wives, which is what women desire above all else. I’ll buy that into philosophy though that is on the simplistic side of things. I had the audacity to include my interpretation of that passage in one of my books. One aspect of the spiritual tangent that I found perhaps out of tune with reality was the combination of Evangelical Christian jargon with Catholicism. I was raised as a Catholic in the 1950’s and 60’s. Perhaps we were behind the times in South Dakota, but Bible reading seemed to be something that was still the realm of the clergy at that time. I am aware the church has changed a lot since then.

There was a little mystique included which allows the romantic sleuths to engage their deductive reasoning. We’re allowed to know that John Brady has a problem in his past and are given snitches of information to let us guess at what it is. That secret really drives the story since it seems to prevent John from letting himself accept Lizzie as a woman instead of just as a sister. Julie uses just enough hinting to give us insight, but not enough to totally solve the mystery. I had most of it figured out, but there were some surprising twists in the end that left me applauding the author. I suggest you get a copy and find out for yourself, unless you’re afraid of emotional roller coasters.

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May 01, 2009 Debra Ullrick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it, loved it, loved it!!

Julie Lessman has done it again. A Passion Denied, is smokin’ hot, has more twists and turns than a roller coaster on speed, and more passion than newlyweds on their honeymoon. But the passion isn’t just physical; it’s spiritual, emotional, and logical, with a twist of vixen and seduction. Julie takes passion to the edge. An edge you want to revisit time and again.

I absolutely love reading stories where strong romance is threaded throughout the entire book. A Passi...more Loved it, loved it, loved it!!

Julie Lessman has done it again. A Passion Denied, is smokin’ hot, has more twists and turns than a roller coaster on speed, and more passion than newlyweds on their honeymoon. But the passion isn’t just physical; it’s spiritual, emotional, and logical, with a twist of vixen and seduction. Julie takes passion to the edge. An edge you want to revisit time and again.

I absolutely love reading stories where strong romance is threaded throughout the entire book. A Passion Denied, is definitely one of the best of this kind. I know this will sound cliché, but I truly could not put this book down. Julie’s characters are unforgettable, and there wasn’t one boring spot in the entire 475 pages. And the other two in the, Daughters of Boston series, are equally as fabulous as this one. So if you haven’t read, A Passion Most Pure, Book 1, and, A Passion Redeemed, Book 2, you’ve got to make haste and get them.

In, A Passion Denied, things aren’t as they appear. Secret webs of betrayals, lies, deceptions, seductions, stolen kisses, passions denied, and haunting pasts are spun throughout this book, and only God’s miraculous power can change things.

The heroine, Lizzie O’Connor is in love with John Brady and has been since she was thirteen. But John doesn’t return her love and sees her only as his little sister. Can she convince him she’s not a little girl anymore, but a woman—a woman in love?

Demons from the hero’s past haunt John, perpetually tormenting and ravishing his spirit, soul, and body. Those same demons have him fleeing from the opposite sex like a rabbit being pursued by a starving bobcat. Why? What’s he so afraid of? Will he ever be free to love? Or is John called to live a life of service to God, a service that means he can never marry? Or is he running away from something…or someone? If so, whom or what?

Charity is up to her old tricks. Is that good or bad?

Faith’s husband, Collin, is on a mission to get his wife pregnant. Is it because he really wants children, or are other motives at work here?

Patrick O’Connor discovers a hidden secret that threatens to destroy his twenty-seven year marriage to Marcy, the respect of his children, and his walk with God. What is this secret?

These are just a few teasers to whet your appetite. If you want to know the answers to these question, then purchase a copy of, A Passion Denied, to find out the answers. You won’t be sorry.
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Apr 26, 2011 Tamara rated it 4 of 5 stars

A PASSION DENIED is the third installment of the Daughters of Boston series from Julie Lessman. A coming of age story, we watch as Elizabeth “Lizzie” O’Connor does all that she can to get the man of her dreams to see her as a woman, not as the young girl he has mentored since the age of thirteen. But changing her hairstyle and having a sassy new nickname is not enough to convince John Brady that Elizabeth will ever be anything more than his “little buddy”, or so he tells himself.

John Brady might...more

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

Shelves: adult-fiction, christian-fiction, series, by-an-author-i-ve-read-before, authors-i-constantly-read, authors-i-love, own-copy, favorites

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Overview of Novel: Lizzie is sick of being viewed as John Brady's little sister. She's been in love with him for years. She wants more than friendship, but he refuses to give it to her.

He keeps protesting that she's just like a little sister to him. Lizzie knows differently. John is attracted to her, so why won't he admit it? Lizzie confides in Charity and Faith and they strike up a plan to win his heart. Charity's involves fake crying, kissing, and ploys. Faith's in...more

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Feb 24, 2012 Carrie Pagels rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone who loves romance and inspirational novels.

This work is set in the 1920’s. There do not seem to be many inspirational fiction novels set in this time frame. It has a fresh feel to it. Other novels in the two series are set before and after this time.
Elizabeth AKA Lizzie O'Connor cannot shake John Brady’s determination to keep her as “Beth”, treating her like a sister. With a strong desire for God, John fights his growing feelings for Lizzie. Because of a shameful personal and family secret he feels he cannot trust himself. Both Lizzie a...more

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Jul 17, 2010 Amber Stokes rated it 5 of 5 stars

Julie's characters are so real that her books sweep you away to another time and place! The pain, the broken hope, and the passion of this story allows the reader to truly sympathize with the characters and want the best for them. And as a reader of Christian romance, I couldn't help but feel a connection with Lizzie and her desires for true love. But one of the many lessons of this book demonstrates a valuable point: only God is perfect, and we must learn to forgive and love as we have been for...more

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Mar 01, 2011 Diana rated it 5 of 5 stars

They’re back! The delightful O’Conner sisters we’ve fallen in love with and watched as they fell in love with Mitch and Collin. This time we treated to Beth’s story, she’s come of age, cut her hair short and changed her name to Lizzie and she’s after Brady.

Brady fights his attraction to Beth. He has a secret past that he can’t seem to accept that forgiveness has been given. He tries to see Beth as anything but a Lizzie. Will he be able to fight off an O’Conner woman?

A Passion Denied gave me some...more

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May 08, 2009 Stormi (Lightning Book Promotions) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

If you have already read both of her other books in the series then you are already familiar with the two main characters, Beth(Lizzie) and Brady, but Lizzie was just a young lady in the first two. Now Beth is almost eighteen and has become a modern woman, even changing her name to Lizzie for a more modern appeal. She thinks its time to go after what she wants, Brady. She has loved him since she was thirteen and now she wants to marry him.

Brady is not use to Beth being all grown up, when did his...more

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May 22, 2009 Jennifer AlLee rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Passion Denied, the third installment in The Daughters of Boston series, is the story of Elizabeth O’Connor. In her desire to be a thoroughly modern woman of the Roaring Twenties, she goes by the name Lizzie, bobs her hair, and confesses her love to the man of her dreams, John Brady. But Brady, as most people call him, has secrets he’s not sharing with her. The demons of his past hold him back and make him feel incapable and unworthy of loving a woman like Elizabeth.

While this novel centers o...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Ruth rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of the things I liked most about this book is the way Julie Lessman deals with the temptations "of the flesh." She not only shows how difficult it is for a young woman (and the men in her life) but also shows the practical ways they deal with this. Most Christian romance makes it look easy for the hero and heroine to remain pure throughout the course of the novel. Lessman shows it realistically, but doesn't lower the Christian moral standard. One of the best scenes in this book is when the y...more

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May 13, 2011 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars

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

I really liked Lizzie's story. In the previous two books, you don't notice her much at all and in this one she comes alive right away and you can't help but love her.
Normally I'm not a fan of when an author focuses so much attention on people other than the central character(s) of a particular book, but Lessman does it so well, you don't notice the diversion until you're back to the main story line. I loved seeing the interaction between Faith&Collin and Charity&Mitch a few years later....more

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Jul 08, 2009 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-books-i-ve-won

My reading tastes are usually limited to fantasy-adventure and poetry. I rarely read romance, but I looked forward to reading A Passion Denied. The 1920’s are perhaps my favorite period of American history, and I think that Julie Lessman portrayed the decade wonderfully.

However, I believe that certain types of people will be able to appreciate A Passion Denied more than others. Christians, for example, will enjoy the well-written interpretations of the Bible.

Though A Passion Denied is a romance...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Julie Graves rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, christian

John Brady has always thought of Elizabeth O’Connor as a little sister. He knew that she has always had a crush on him, but he never thought of her “in that way” before. Now his “little buddy” has grown into a beautiful young woman. She has become “Lizzie” to all of her friends and family, but to Brady she will always be Beth.

When Lizzie enlists the help of her sisters Charity and Faith to help her gain his attention, Brady is forced to confront the feelings he has for her. Knowing that he can...more John Brady has always thought of Elizabeth O’Connor as a little sister. He knew that she has always had a crush on him, but he never thought of her “in that way” before. Now his “little buddy” has grown into a beautiful young woman. She has become “Lizzie” to all of her friends and family, but to Brady she will always be Beth.

When Lizzie enlists the help of her sisters Charity and Faith to help her gain his attention, Brady is forced to confront the feelings he has for her. Knowing that he can never act on those feelings, because of his past, Brady denies the love that he feels for her. But when his past shows up to haunt him Brady may lose not just his best friend, but also the love of his life.

A Passion Denied is the 3rd and last book in The Daughters of Boston series. I really like Brady’s character. He is a man of God, but struggles with the idea of God forgiving him for his past. It is easy for him to touch others lives and bring them to Christ, but his hardest struggle is with forgiving himself. I loved the way his life touched others, and others were used to touch him, especially his priest friend Father Mac. As with all of Julie Lessman’s stories A Passion Denied stressed me out! Julie assures her readers that all of her books have a “happy ending,” but it’s the getting to that happily ever after that stresses me! Her characters take twists and turns down dark paths on their journey to faith and trust in the ultimate lover of their souls. Another thing I loved about A Passion Denied was not just the love story of Lizzie and Brady, but that we also got to revisit Charity and Mitch and Faith and Collin as well as Patrick and Marcy. Each marriage filled with the passions and struggles of married couples learning to live with each other and growing in the faith that sustains each individual. The next chapter of the O’Connor family begins with A Hope Undaunted. Little Katie Rose is all grown up and giving the men in her life fits! (less)

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Mar 01, 2012 Jen W. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Julie Lessman has written another fantastic novel about the very passionate O'Connor family and takes you on a grand adventure. Once I started this book I had a very hard time putting it down and found myself reading over half of it (480 page book) in one night! I may have lost some sleep due to it but it was so worth it and I would do it again. The twists and turns that Julie takes you on is very similar to riding the most twisty roller coaster you can think of. There is no way of predicting ho...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Abby rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was so excited to read this book after reading A Passion Redeemed that I snatched if off the shelf one day and finished all 460 some pages the next. I have to admit, it was a very thrilling read. However, I have a few irks about these novels that I have to share. 1. The passion between the couples in the O'Connor family is sweet, but often a little too unrealistic. However, doesn't a girl need some unrealistic lovey-dovey stuff once in a while? 2. I managed to guess what Brady's secret was abo...more

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May 18, 2009 Cecelia rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoy food and recipes. This book is really spicy. I'm going to use a food analogy to make my point. It's kind of like, you have a big plate of spaghetti and it's something you love (kind of like you have a big stack of Christian fiction novels), but this book, has some hot sauce thrown in, but not too much, and when you taste your spaghetti with hot sauce, it's like, "Whoa." But then you want to eat more because you've discovered a new kind of spaghetti that's different than the kind you're u...more

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Jun 02, 2009 Myra Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, inspy-romance-historical

Julie Lessman’s A PASSION DENIED is the third in her Daughters of Boston saga. Faith and Charity’s younger sister Beth (now called Lizzie) is all grown up now and falling for the man who has guided her spiritual growth since she was a little girl. But something in his past won’t let him admit his feelings for her, thwarting Lizzie’s every attempt to win his love.

Lessman has woven a family saga that touches the heart while awakening passions--not just the romantic kind but a deep and urgent longi...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Fala19 rated it 5 of 5 stars

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

A Passion Denied was a wonderful book that I heartily enjoyed. The entire Daughters of Boston Series were such great reads and A Passion Denied was an excellent conclusion.

What I really love about this series is that even though there is the main love story between the two characters, the rest of the family and characters I've come to love are still spotlighted in side stories. I love reading about the O'Connor family dynamics and still, after three books, learning more about them. I loved delvi...more

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Mar 09, 2010 Casey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contentment-reading-challenge-2011

A spectacular ending to a thrilling series!
I don’t know how Julie Lessman does it, but every time I pick up one of her 470 page books, I am swept away and not released until I have set the book down. Not much gets done when I have a Lessman book in my hands!
The twists and turns this novel takes kept me riveted to the spot. The drama doesn’t end with just Lizzie and Brady, but spreads to all three married couples and expounds with each page turned. I cheered and moaned for each character, but pri...more

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May 13, 2009 Margaret rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: those who read the first two in the series

Recommended to Margaret by: Julie Lessman

Shelves: christianfiction, historical, own, revell, romance, favorites

I cannot tell you how much I love Julie as a friend and an author. Her writing is incredible and touching and it gets under your skin and into your heart. I cannot highly recommend her books strongly enough

When I first had the opportunity to read the first book in this series "A Passion Most Pure", I was in love with the writing and the story life of the characters that became quickly so dear to me. Upon reading the second book, "A Passion Redeemed", I was enamored. It was shocking how character...more I cannot tell you how much I love Julie as a friend and an author. Her writing is incredible and touching and it gets under your skin and into your heart. I cannot highly recommend her books strongly enough

When I first had the opportunity to read the first book in this series "A Passion Most Pure", I was in love with the writing and the story life of the characters that became quickly so dear to me. Upon reading the second book, "A Passion Redeemed", I was enamored. It was shocking how characters that were so real, so flawed, and so human, were capable of getting so deep into my heart and emotions. Now, after having finished reading the third book in this series, "A Passion Denied", it is unrealistic for me to tell you that I am excited about the next series that will have three more books continuing the lives of these fictional characters that are as real to me as if I were a neighbor or friend down the street.

Overall, this book could, I say lightly, could be read alone, but I strongly suggest reading the prequels in order to really understand the personalities and intimacy of the characters. "A Passion Denied" appears to be a title that is understood right off the bat if you have read the back cover or know the characters. It is not until you actually read the story that you can comprehend just what that title means and so much more than you would have assumed.

Previously, Beth was just a young teen with her nose stuck in romance novels, as she becomes a young woman in the 1920's you realize there is so much more to her and heart than that. This is a journey to follow along with her to see where it is her heart really should belong. Full of romance, and of course passion, a thirst for understanding, and a hunger for the will of God to be fulfilled. This book is completely packed with page turn after turn of heart wrenching, palpitation forming emotion and action.

As for recommendations of reading, I would definitely state this book and series for the young woman and older, not a teen really, but the young woman who is learning in her faith daily and not afraid to see what God will show her in the power of words. If you have heard anything about these books, you know that they are not your typical inspirational romance, but they contain some heated moments. Passion is a powerful thing and even more so when put in the right place with the right center. (less)

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May 31, 2009 Andi Newberry ~Tubbs rated it 5 of 5 stars

In a book that is over 400 pages long you'd think that there would be a chance to catch your breath or even blink. Not so in a book written by Julie Lessman. The Passion is so intense that you don't want to for fear that you're going to miss something. I'm not talking about that kind of Passion, although that is in there, only in the way God intended it to be, between a man and a woman when they are married. With each turn of the page the character a long with the reader is going through the emo...more

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Christian Fiction...: ❀Elizabeth and Megan❀ A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman	75	26	Nov 28, 2012 09:14am

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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 Redeemed (Daughters of Boston, #2)

A Love Surrendered (Winds of Change, #3)

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Quotes from A Passion Denied

“Pray that God is the most important thing in your life, so much so that hurting him wold hurt you. When that happens, and your choices line up with his, it produces an amazing ripple effect of blessings--in your life, that of your family, and for the man you eventually marry.” — 30 people liked it

“But the irony is that unless God's in the center of it, you can get singed pretty badly. ” — 5 people liked it

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A Passion Denied (Daughters of Boston #3)

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