Love Surrendered, A: A Novel (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
A Love Surrendered takes place during Prohibition and focuses on the romance that develops between Annie Kennedy and Steven O’Connor. Orphaned, Annie is almost eighteen when she and her younger sister, Glory, move from Iowa to Boston to live with their spinster aunt. Annie's father was a pastor, so she grew up in a family of faith and always tried to be a "good" girl. But angry with God for taking her parents, Annie is lured by the bright lights and excitement of the city. It’s time for her to experience a little more of life—after all, she’s never been kissed.Steven is a cop whose duties include raiding speakeasies. He grew up in the large O’Connor family where the Christian faith was the center of their lives. But Steven is more interested in his work, friends, and trying to forget a past love. When he sees innocent-looking Annie heading for trouble, he steps in. Attracted to each other, Annie wants to pursue a relationship. But Steven believes she’s too young for him and insists that he can only be big brother figure. He consistently goes out of his way to protect her, wanting to make sure that no man takes advantage of her.Annie and her sister become entangled in the O’Connor’s family lives before Annie realizes Steven’s connection. His parents, sisters, and brother embrace the idea of Annie and Steven together as a couple, but he still fights his feelings for Annie. And none of them are aware of the secret she’s keeping from them all.A Love Surrendered is the sixth book the author has written about the O’Connors. It concludes the second three-book series that features their romances. I’ve loved this family since Julie Lessman came out with A Passion Most Pure, the very first story.Although this novel can be read as a stand-alone, I do want to mention that if a reader is not familiar with the previous books, being introduced to a long list of characters could initially feel overwhelming. This story features Annie and Steven’s romance, but the book is actually a part of a continuing saga. There are also subplots that deal with Steven’s parents, his five siblings, and their spouses. It’s a lot of people to keep track of . . . But if the reader can get past that, riches can be found within the pages.Julie Lessman is known for including a lot of passion in her stories, particularly between married couples. This book is FULL of passionate scenes, but all is done in good taste. They celebrate the gift that God gives to husbands and wives. The author also shows how difficult—yet important—it is for single people to bridle their passions. She doesn’t condemn those who give in to temptation; she understands the struggle. The author has a heart for single people, desiring them to make choices that will bless their lives as opposed to leaving them with regrets.Another thing you’ll find is a consistent theme on the damage secrets can create—to those who are holding onto them—and those who are kept in the dark. Not only does Annie harbor her own secret, but many of the other characters also keep them, either out of fear or good intentions and wanting to protect someone. The author skillfully weaves this theme throughout, enabling her to tie the main plot and subplots together.If you enjoy reading historical romance with a strong spiritual thread, passion, and a few surprises along the way, I highly recommend that you read A Love Surrendered. Do you ever finish a series and you're not sure what to read next because that series was SO good?!?! Well, the Winds of Change series by Julie Lessman was THAT good. So, read this review then head to your local library or bookstore to find your own copies. Prepare for an exciting time getting to know the O'Connor family and seeing how God can work in and through your life.The Winds of Change series is composed of three books. "A Hope Undaunted", "A Heart Revealed", and "A Love Surrendered". Though each book could be a stand-alone read, the entire series is a continuation of her Daughters of Boston series featuring other members of the O'Connor family. I have not read the Daughters of Boston series, but I love this family so much I plan to pick them up and read them at some point.Lessman is a skilled storyteller. She incorporates a touch of light humor in serious situations. By the end of the book, you feel like you are another member of the family. Best of all, she expresses our need for the presence of God in our lives, and a personal relationship with Jesus. Through the course of her books, you can see the characters grow and mature, and draw closer to God through their experiences. A common theme expressed in the series is that the characters love their families and spouses, but as deep as that love is, God loves all of them (and us!) more.I really appreciate Lessman's depiction of the Roaring '20s and Great Depression era. This series is told from the individual characters' points of view, switching the narrative by chapter or mid-chapter. She incorporates sub-plots involving other O'Connor family members in each book with the perfect consistency - not so much that it distracts from the main storyline, but just enough to paint a bigger picture and keep you up-to-date with your favorite characters from the previous books.
What do You think about Love Surrendered, A: A Novel (2012)?
Very disappointed ... Just couldn't get into this book ... I really tried, but didn't finish it.
—miwtf
