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| Dare To Love Again |
Revell Publishing, 2014
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars*****
Another Jewel By Julie!
In Dare
to Love Again, author Julie
Lessman writes an impassioned, powerful story of two very diverse worlds—from the lap
of luxury of the very elite on Nob Hill to the poverty-stricken,
brothel laden streets of the Barbary Coast…and of the wealthy, young woman
who attempts to cross the dangerous bridge to both.
Allison McClare and her mother, Caitlyn, have just
opened their new school for the less fortunate, the Hand of Hope School
for girls, right in the middle of the Barbary Coast, where a decent lady
dare not venture out alone after dark. Allie's independent streak lands her in
immediate danger, forcing her Uncle Logan to hire Detective Nick Barone (pronounced long "e") to
teach her self-defense and escort her to and from work everyday. Allie's heart
was shattered into pieces when she was betrayed by her ex-boyfriend, and
Nick refuses to ever trust a wealthy snob of a woman again, and the sparks
begin to fly between the two in short order! However, Allie soon sees beyond
Nick's insults and gruff exterior, and as strong feelings begin
to develop will she dare to fall in love again?…especially
with a man who carries dark secrets and may not be who he
says he is?
I always knew Julie Lessman was a wonderful romance
writer, but now I place her in the category of a brilliant and
masterful storyteller as well. Although
this novel made me laugh out loud more than once and was alot of fun, there was
also a serious, heartbreaking side to it as well. For Ms.
Lessman courageously and compassionately delves into the seedier
side of life; of murder and corruption, young girls being forced into
prostitution, and disease caused by poverty. I must say, the romantic tension
in this one caused my heart to race erratically, and a plot twist in the
romance between the heroine's mother, Caitlyn, and her Uncle Logan
left me reaching for the tissues. One powerfully written novel of
healing, forgiveness, and learning to trust again! Be sure to put this one at
the top of your TBR list!
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GIVEAWAY: We have a new paperback of Dare to Love Again, a gently used paperback, and an ebook copy to give away this week! Please include email address for contact purposes.
Thanks for this really wonderful review DIANA of this exceptional book of JULIE'S!! You're not wrong about the romantic tension in this one... I think I had a few erratic heart beats as well! ;) And this book was SO well written, at one point I was REALLY mad at Logan and his treatment of Nick (because I absolutely loved Mr. Cranky Pants Nick Barone!), and then a bit further along I was CRYING for Logan!! Huh??! I was amazed at how Julie was able to do that!!! Very talented writing!!
ReplyDeleteAmen, NOELA! My emotions were all over the page...pardon my pun! :P Not so sure Julie's books are good on the heart, but I'll chance it!! LOL
DeleteLOL ... I'm sorry, but I just had to comment on this because you made me laugh out loud, Noela and Diana!! Dear Lord, next they'll be slapping "Hazardous to your Health" on my books!! ;)
DeleteLOVE you guys!!
Julie
Hazardous to your health...may cause rapid and irregular heartbeat, excessive crying, and/or anger. LOL Love you, Julie!
DeleteA wonderful review. I definitely want to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Katrina
eppersonkatrina@yahoo.com
Thank you, KATRINA! Julie outdid herself on this one! If it doesn't win an award, I'll be shocked! Good luck to you!!
DeleteOK , I am buying stock in Puffs !!!! Just tell me we aren't going to throw the book !!!! ? I love Julies books big time and can't wait to be in the next one... Loved your review !
ReplyDeleteHugs
Linda
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
Thx so much, LINDA! Yes, the Puffs are a must! lol A bit of frustration...but no throwing across the room---hopefully. ;) Congrats on being a character in Julie's next book!
DeleteDIANA what a wonderful review; as usual you have written it so beautifully!! I find that JULIE's books are so easy to review because they touch your heart and linger in your mind long after you have put them down!! Simply Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, TERESA! They are easy to write, but I always feel as though I can never do her books justice in a few paragraphs! They are just that amazing!
DeleteAs the rest, you've reviewed DARE TO LOVE AGAIN in a way that practically forces me to click on over to Amazon and get myself a copy! Although with the rest, I am hoping to win one here :) Of course, I could always pass one along to my reader friends! Blessings from Texas!
ReplyDeleteCARYL, thank you for the sweet compliment! Hopefully you'll win it here, but if not, do yourself a BIG favor and hop on over to Amazon! You'll be so glad you did!
DeleteBlessings from SC!
I have fallen in love with Julie's writing over the past month. I read the entire O'Connor series. I am looking forward to starting this series as well. It sounds really good from the reviews you all have given. Hoping to win a copy, if not, I will have to buy it eventually.
ReplyDeleteNancycooks4u (at) gmail (dot) com
NANCY, we have all fallen in love with JULIE...her books and the lady! Your emotions will run the gamut reading this one. I laughed, cried, sighed, groaned---you name it! lol
DeleteThanks for sharing your review! I love books with good romantic tension and humor as well to balance out the drama :)
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
HEIDI, this one has a little bit of something for everyone! The luck of the Irish to in the drawing, my dear!
DeleteSo looking forward to this book! Sounds great ewe_r_merritt(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI believe you'll enjoy it thoroughly, R MERR!
DeleteCan't wait to read this book! Loved the first one in this series!! Yay for book giveaways!
ReplyDeletecandicervaldez at gmail dot com
YAY is right, CANDACE! Perhaps you will win this one!! :)
DeleteLoved your review, Diana!
ReplyDeleteJulie really knows how to twist a readers heartstrings, doesn't she? I am still working my way through her books, so haven't read "Dare to Love Again" - but those "dark secrets" and "twists-and-turns" really "pushed my buttons" when I read "A Passion Denied" this week!
Just when you are really loving one of her books, and it's characters, she sneaks up behind you with a shocking revelation! But no matter how much she may upset you with her writing tricks and mastery - you're lovin' her, again, by the end of the book - with that wonderful "happily ever-after" ending, and warm inspirational message.
A reader knows when an author's words are hollow, likewise - when they are true expressions of the author's feelings and experiences (the best of books). Julie's books are a mirror to her heart and soul, a testimony to her faith and goal to draw others closer to God, and a reflection of the joy, kindness, and love that she exudes and lavishes on everyone she meets. Only God, working through her, could accomplish such a feat! He's blessed her with many amazing talents, and has allowed me to be SO blessed by her friendship, and by enjoyment, and inspiration through the writing talent He has bestowed on her!!
Diana, I'm not so sure Julie's books are good for my (congestive) heart (failure) either, but I'm not going to stop reading them! I'm thinking the inspiration ALWAYS overrides the shocks!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
What beautiful words---I'm sure they will encourage Julie, BONNIE! Laughter doeth the the heart merry like a medicine, so that should help, but not sure about the roller coaster of emotions!
DeleteSeriously, though, us gals here on OWG will be praying about your condition. I'm sorry to hear you are suffering with that. :(
Thank you, ladies - SO appreciate that, and truly believe in the power of prayer! It changed my life!
ReplyDeleteMany times it has changed mine, BONNIE! I will be sure and let the other OWG "angels" know so they can pray. <3
DeleteDiana, great review! I am getting the biggest kick out of Alli and Nick. And yes, Julie knows how to make her readers feel every emotion that her characters feel. She's a masterful story teller, for sure! No need to enter me as I already have my own copy of Dare to Love Again! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your love and support of Julie's new book, ANGI! I'm glad you're enjoying it!!
DeleteIf I win this book, it will certainly go to the top of my very large TBR stack! Love each and every one of Julie's books.
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
PATTY, I have read everyone of Julie's books, and like you, love them all! Good luck!!
DeleteWhat a fantastic review you have shared, Diana! I can't wait to read The Heart of San Francisco series and would love to win a copy of this book! Thank you so much for the opportunity. Julie is certainly a magnificent storyteller!!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Thank you, BRITNEY! Oh, do be sure and read Love At Any Cost first....to get acquainted with this wonderful new family and series. YES, SHE IS! :)
DeleteGreat review Diana! I'm so excited to read this book! I've loved all of Julie's books and this one sounds amazing! She's a wonderful storyteller. :) I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sarah
bookluver1492[at]gmail[dot]com
Hi, SARAH! This one is amazing to be sure. But then they all are! :)
DeleteHallo, Hallo Ms. Flowers,
ReplyDeleteAnd, how are you today!? As foresaid, I've been keeping tabs on OWG whilst I wasn't able to blog hop properly through your email feeds! Thankful I was able to do that, as I love the new additions to the blog & the new directions you guys are starting to head into! :) I think that always keeps life a bit interesting and fresh for regular readers & new visitors alike!
I always thought she was more than a mere romance writer due to the heart of the depth she inscribed in her first Daughters of Boston series "A Passion Most Pure" as she delve into the blights of war and the effect that war can have on the human spirit. She tends to weave in aspects of the human condition and the plights of society right alongside her characters who are sorting out who they are, where they are going in their lives, and if they are ready to welcome in a bit of romance into their lives. I always felt she was more of a historical fiction writer than a historical romance writer as she forestalls the romance with heart-aching drama and life changing sequences that affect the characters we come to love.
This internal plot of Dare to Love Again is a very fitting one and timed well considering that there are events going on right now in our own country where girls are facing circumstances beyond our full comprehension.
Thank you for offering a bookaway!
(inkand-bookaways(at)usa(dot)net)
JORIE, I have missed you and always enjoy your keen insights! It's been so long since I have read APMP, that I had forgotten about the war and such that she included in her first books! I think I only remembered the kissing and passion, so thanks for reminding me! :P
DeleteI'll tell you what, OWG LADIES ... I've had a rough week, but all I have to do is hop over here and read these incredible reviews written with SUCH loving care and excellence, and you have me smiling, weeping, and grinning all in a few minutes. Gosh ... sounds a little bit like my books ... :| Well, what goes around, comes around, I guess ... ;)
ReplyDeleteDIANA!!! I swear you guys are in a contest to write the best possible review because I'll tell you what -- each one BLOWS ME AWAY!! LOVED your lead-in line: Another Jewel By Julie! TOO CUTE!!
And HOLY COW ... the line that says, "I always knew Julie Lessman was a wonderful romance writer, but now I place her in the category of a brilliant and masterful storyteller as well"??? Yep ... going right smack dab into a FB promo RIGHT AFTER I finish this comment!!
There is honestly NO OTHER blog around that promotes me or Christian Fiction as diligently as you guys, and I will never, EVER be able to thank you enough for your support. But I promise you -- if we EVER all get to the same city at one time, lunch or dinner is on me, do you hear??? ETCHED in stone!!
Thank you SO much, Diana, for a brilliant review! You guys absolutely, unequivocally ROCK the big Kahuna ... whatever that means!! ;)
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
I'm so glad we ROCK the big Kahuna---what does that mean? lol I think I speak for all of us girls when I say that we feel we can't do your great books justice, but we sure try!! Noela and Teresa's reviews were the BoMb, to be sure!! Thank you for your KIND words, Julie, and just meeting you would be enough for me! Big hugs back!
DeleteEvery review I read just makes this book sound better and better. Julie's books are always on my want-to-have and read list so I'd be very happy and grateful to win a copy. Thanks for all the great reviews this week and the chance to win Dare to Love Again.
ReplyDeletepmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
PAM, I'm glad us reviewers have done our "job!" lol Actually I don't write a review for the purpose of getting someone to buy the book, but it's great when that happens! I just love sharing about an awesome book! Thank YOU for coming by!!
DeleteJulie, as with all your books, you know I'm one of your biggest fans. I have this on my to-buy-list because I already know without reading the book it will be fantastic.
ReplyDeleteKristena Tunstall
http://mommysangelinheaven.com
http://kristenatunstall.com
KRISTENA, maybe you will be blessed to win it here and not have to buy it! :) Either way I know you will enjoy this wonderful read!
DeleteI would love to win one of your copies since I just finished the first one this month. Julie is a very entertaining author. Really enjoy her style! Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThat would be awesome reading them back to back, MARY! Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteMjkoester001@gmail.com Forgot
ReplyDeleteto include above.
Thx, MARY!
DeleteThank you for convincing me that I really really want to read Dare To Love Again. I love books that have me laughing and crying and learning. When my hubby and I first met, we both had trust issues. Neither one of us was looking for love again. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com
ReplyDeleteSounds like this book is right up your alley, JAN. Allie and Nick were definitely not looking for love either...wonder if they dared to love again? ;)
DeleteWell Diana, you have done it again. another great review. And you are right about how everyone seems to fee about her books. I love the fact that the reader can feel the authors love of GOD through the books. Please put my name in to win Julie;s book. Thanks for another give-away. Love you gals. May GOD continue to bless each of you.
ReplyDeleteMaxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
Thank you, MAXIE! You are so kind! We love you, too, and hope you are blessed with a win! :)
DeleteCongrats, MAXIE! You won a copy!
DeleteA quick comment t say, I am looking forward to this new series of Julie's--I am enjoying the Daughter's of Boston series and you gals are all saying you like this series even better--sounds like a series to be adding into my collection! Thanks you to the OWG gal's for 3 opportunities to win one of these books!
ReplyDeleteVicki
I didn't think I would be able to let go of the O'Connor's, VICKI, and there were some withdrawals. lol But once you meet this new family...you will grow to love them just as much! But I would read Love At Any Cost first to get acquainted with the wonderful McClare family!
DeleteDiana, You are amazing. Love this review. LOVED this book!!! God bless you for your tenacity despite your health setbacks. Am praying for you! Hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, CARRIE! Not to mention, my two little rascals spent the night and are waiting for breakfast. ugg What do you do when they beg and plead to spend the night? Loved this book, love Julie, and love you! <3
DeleteGreat review! Loved LAAC and am eagerly waiting for DTLA! Also LOVED the "hazardous to your health" comment! LOL Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteCYNDI, isn't Julie the funniest! Good luck, sweetie!
DeleteOOPS, CYNDI---pleeeeease come back and leave an email addy for contact purposes should your name be drawn. Thx! :)
DeleteGreat Review! I can't wait to read this one. I'd love to be entered in the giveaway for a paperback copy of the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Katie J. (johnsonk133{at}yahoo{dot}com
Hi, KATIE! Just tossed your name in my cyber hat! ;)
DeleteHey Diana,
ReplyDeleteI would love too read this book. I absolutely love romance books. Here is my email address. oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
I will also sign up for the news letter too. Thanks
Danie.
DANIE, thanks so much for coming by! I think you made it in the contest by the skin of your teeth! lol Good luck to you!!
DeleteOh good thanks I hope I win. I really would like to win a copy if I could.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Katie J. for winning our last giveaway copy of Dare To Love Again!
ReplyDelete