Julie Lessman

Wow, each of Julie's books is so compelling, but all for different reasons. The title of this story fit the content perfectly... because each person's true heart was revealed through the conflicts they faced. I love how these stories all tie together, both the last series and this one. I'm delighted that I don't have to say goodbye to the O'Connors even though they are a fictional family. I adore them. As I read this current installment in the series I felt like I was watching a whole season show more of One Life to Live--but a Christian version. At the same time there was no sappy drama in this novel like you'd find in typical soap operas. The conflict felt like real-life issues to me; issues that couples face every day.

People usually want to do the real thing but their flesh always gets in the way. And shame from the past tends to damage so much in each person's present. Sometimes without them even knowing it. I loved how this story showed that even someone as Christ-like and loving as Emma could still be shamed by a past that distorted every decision she made in the present. Knowing Jesus personally heals our hearts, yes, but it doesn't erase our pasts. The only way to heal the past is to work through the pain, the hurt, the lies, the shame... and this book does a great job of showing just that. It shows how dealing with things in our past heals, where avoiding those issues causes rifts in relationships and stifles our ability to be truly free to love others.

I loved how the author showed that Sean had an issue from childhood buried so deep in his soul that it caused rage in his heart in the present, and I loved how Father Mac helped him to dig up the root cause of his anger. Then he could deal with it's cause and heal. This is a really good, healthy message for people--especially the walking wounded--to hear. It brings hope that inspires, which is what Christian fiction should do. This novel inspired me, and for that reason (and because of the healthy message in the story) it's making my best fiction list for 2011. show less

The main problem with this book is how completely untrue it is to real life. So I'm supposed to believe that the handsome hero is living a questionable lifestyle, sleeping around, and our dear damsel in distress is still in love with him (and worse, not overly concerned)? And later on, she's totally fine with his past, never bats an eye at his previous infidelity? I'm sorry, I just couldn't buy this story.

It falls veryyy much in the category of "Christian romance novels"--pretty much the show more same as secular romance novels (except without the sex). It definitely ignores the aspects of true relationships, forgetting the fact that relationships are hard, that you do carry baggage from the past, and that being "in love" with someone from childhood is not a winning formula for "overcoming all." This book exemplifies many of the problems with Christian romance (and chick-flick movies) in that they create unattainable expectations in women of men, relationships, and marriage. And even more dangerous--they're tacked with the label "Christian," which many women may assume means safe, and they may not to question or think critically about what they are reading.

Also, I think sometimes it is easy for Christian books to use concepts of God's grace and redemptive forgiveness as a "Christian" way to spin the classic bad-boy-falls-for-good-girl story, but often ignoring the fact that redemption does not mean exemption from consequences of sin (such as our hero's infidelity). Just because a character lives a fast lifestyle then comes to know Christ does not mean they automatically are healed from all their scars, don't ever struggle with temptation, and have the emotional/mental/spiritual ability to have completely healthy, thriving relationships. Read with open eyes and a discerning mind! show less

DNF because... PUKE! GAG! SCREAM! I HATE books where the so-called hero/love interest forces himself on the lady to "prove" she's attracted to him. That is seriously scary and dangerous. Any man who thinks any form of unwanted attention is ok as long as it's done in a flirting manner is a jerk and no one I'd want to associate with. The love interest in this book forces several kisses on the main character while she screams, hits, and kicks him... And this happens immediately after she tells show more him in a clear and polite way that she is not interested in him because she just had her heart broken. I am not going to read any more. I don't care if he ends up redeeming himself. I don't like the message it sends to the women who will end up reading this story. Because this is a Christian romance, I can predict that the man will change and humble himself and they will fall in love and live happily ever after. But too many women stay in abusive and manipulative relationships where they are not respected or safe. I shudder to think some young woman would read this and think that it would be romantic to have a handsome young man force himself on her.

Ugh... I just feel sick after reading that chapter.

Two minutes later... Argh! I don't know why but I read the next two pages after the disgusting kiss chapter and it gets even worse. Her cousin thinks it's flattering that he forced himself on her and that Cassie, the main character, is at fault because she's "too pretty" (and that's a direct quote.) If this were a physical book instead of a digital one, I'd burn it. show less

"When guided by love, the truth never ruins hope, it only sets it free. Not only does our God redeem and restore human being, He redeems and restores the mistakes they make as well, turning tears of mourning into tears of joy". (Isle of Hope)

Eighteen year-old "wild child" Lacey Carmichael is kicked out of the house by her heart-surgeon father, Ben - numerous hearts are broken when she flees to California with a friend. Eight years later, Lacey has become a woman of faith; though she returns show more home to Isle of Hope, Georgia to be the maid of honor in her cousin Nicki Phillips' wedding - her greater purpose is to reconcile with her estranged father and the two people she deserted without explanation: previous seminary-bound boyfriend Jack O'Bryen, and her best friend Cathleen (Cat) O'Bryen, Jack's sister.

However, the tables have turned: Jack, heart-broken by Lacey, and bitter over his pastor father Adam's affair with Lacey's mother, Karen - has turned away from God. Known as man about town "Doctor Swoon" by all the nurses, he is a pediatrician at Memorial Hospital. Lacey's guilt, low self-esteem, and the bitterness with which she is met - present huge obstacles in restoring relationships with two dysfunctional families. Numerous uncovered secrets, by both families, cause additional wounds which can only be mended by a God of hope and love.

When I write a Christian Fiction book review, my prayer is always that it will honor both God and the book itself - there is no author whose work I love, and am inspired by, more than that of Julie Lessman. The passion and emotion with which she writes put her work in a lofty category of it's own; I'm always amazed at the number of beautiful characters and stories she is able to weave within the pages of each book. I read 'Isle of Hope' twice - the first time deeply touched and inspired, the second time even more so.

I related to the warmth and realism of it's characters and their stories on a deep level - storing them in the recesses of my heart - identifying with some of their trials re: my own younger life, made me love them even more. As with Julie's other books - God is the key around which the characters revolve; the humor from some characters, along with antics of adorable children, balancing the drama and angst. Scattered amongst my reading moments of tears, smiles, and joy - were some of anger and shock, replaced by the inspiration and redemption of the characters through a loving God of hope and forgiveness.

Even though Christian Historical Fiction is generally my favorite book genre, and I loved each of Julie's 10 novels and 3 novellas in that genre - I feel 'Isle of Hope', her first Contemporary Fiction, is her best work yet. I joyfully await book 2 of the series and the opportunity it will provide to reconnect with some beautiful, inspiring literary friends. show less