A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman

Reviewed by Vickie McDonough

"...makes a strong statement that passion without God’s love is nothing but trouble, but true love, sanctified by God, is amazing."

Lizzie O’Conner has seen her two older sisters fall in love with the men of their dreams and marry, and now that she’s nearly eighteen, she longs to marry the man she’s loved for years. But John Brady only sees her as a sister—a little sister he’s tutored in Bible studies and with whom he’s shared a love of literature. Lizzie seeks the advice of her sisters on how to capture her man, and Charity is more than pleased to teach her the ways of seduction, but when things go wrong, Lizzie feels further away from winning John’s heart than ever.

John Brady cares for Lizzie, but because of his sordid past, he won’t allow himself to love her as more than a little sister. But Lizzie is growing up and is no longer a girl, no matter how much he tries to deny it. She stirs up an attraction and feelings John doesn’t want to admit, even when his distancing pushes Lizzie into the arms of another man.

Lizzie wonders if she can ever be truly happy with another man when John still holds her heart, but she can’t wait for him forever and starts seeing a man who has long wanted to date her. When John’s past comes back to torture him in an unexpected way, he realizes Lizzie has never been so far from his reach. In spite of everything, can John and Lizzie’s love for one another endure? Or will Lizzie’s love wither and die when the secrets of John’s past are revealed?

A Passion Denied is the third book in Julie Lessman’s The Daughters of Boston series. Lessman continues the story of the passionate O’Connor family as she conveys Lizzie’s (Beth’s) story. Readers will be delighted to learn how Faith and Charity have fared as newlyweds. Spunky Katie Rose is still feisty and speaking her mind, but you won’t see all that much of the two brothers. Marcy and Patrick’s love is challenged, and Mitch and Collin seem to be battling one another to be first to produce the next generation. But A Passion Denied is mostly Lizzie’s story, and she’s determined to get her man. What remains to be seen is whether her efforts will be rewarded or if her displays of affection will drive John away, but this long story is definitely worth the journey.

This novel is more sensual than most Christian romances, but it is tastefully done and realistic. But this is more than a simple romance, it’s the story of family, sisterhood, betrayal, secret pasts, faith, friendship, and trust all laced onto a roller coaster of emotions and hopes and dreams. A Passion Denied makes a strong statement that passion without God’s love is nothing but trouble, but true love, sanctified by God, is amazing.

Vickie McDonough is an award-winning inspirational romance author. She has written four Heartsong novels and five novellas. Her stories have placed first in several prestigious contests, such as the ACFW Noble Theme, the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest, and the Texas Gold contest. She has also written books reviews for nearly five years and enjoys mentoring new writers. Vickie is a wife of thirty-one years, mother to four sons, and a new grandma. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, gardening, watching movies, and traveling. Vickie loves hearing from her readers via e-mail.