Review and Giveaway: Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman

Surprised by Love is the third book in The Heart of San Francisco series. I have really enjoyed each book in the series and have grown to love the characters. It is always hard to say goodbye to the people in a book series who have touched my heart, but with Surprised by Love, I was torn about wanting it to end.

On the one hand, I have been absolutely on tenterhooks waiting to see how the author was going to resolve the relationship struggles of Caitlyn and Logan. I have enjoyed every couple featured in each book, but by far my favorite thread running through each story was the decades-long tension and heartbreak that these two have gone through. So, I wanted to see what would happen. But, on the other hand, I knew that once resolved, I would be saying “goodbye” to a favorite couple! Well, Julie Lessman did a fabulous job with Cait and Logan’s romance. Sometimes I wanted to slap a little sense into Cait, but part of the fun of this author’s books is the up and down emotional journey she is always able to send me on. So, I just held on and knew she would resolve their issues and all would be wonderful once more! 🙂

Of all of the three main romances in the books of this series, Meg and Bram’s romance, which takes place in Surprised by Love, is my favorite. It is a transition from a deep friendship to love. I have liked Bram from the very beginning. We learn his  back story in this book and it is so interesting and heartbreaking. I admit that I wanted to slap him a little, too, in this book! But he is such an admirable character, as is Meg, and seeing them work through their emotions in the midst of trying circumstances was a treat.

Bram was also such a steadfast man in this series and served as a spiritual encourager for Logan. What was extra-special about the spiritual advice he gives to Logan is that Bram also practices what he preaches. Even though it is tearing him up inside, he follows where he thinks God is leading him and actually does have some peace about the situation. But, he still has much growing to do in this story and his journey is just as interesting to read about as Logan’s journey is.

I loved the book from start to finish and know that it is one I will be re-reading again and again in the future. (5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

See below for a chance to win a copy of Surprised by Love!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Shy and unattractive as a child, Megan McClare has always been teased by her classmates. But when she returns home from her senior year in Paris, the wallflower has suddenly blossomed into a beauty. With ambitions to become a lawyer or doctor, Megan accepts an internship at the district attorney’s office only to discover that she will be working with Devin Caldwell, a boy who mercilessly mocked her at school–and with whom she was hopelessly enamored. She turns to her dear friend Bram Hughes for support and advice. But Bram’s vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a kid sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 14 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as “Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction.”

Chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also awarded #1 Historical Fiction Author of the Year in that same poll and #3 Author of the Year, #4 Novel of the Year and #3 Series of the year. She resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter and is the author of “The Daughters of Boston” series—A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. Book 1 in her “Winds of Change” series A Hope Undaunted ranked #5 on Booklist’s Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010.

You can connect with Julie on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

*** I was “surprised” and blessed to receive two copies of this book (one from Baker Publishing for reviewing purposes, and I also received a signed copy from Julie Lessman through a contest she ran last year.) So…I am keeping my signed copy (of course!!!), but my “surprise” can be your blessing! Comment on this post for a chance to win the extra copy. (which is still brand new and has not been read)***

Giveaway rules:
1. Comment with your name and email in non-spam format. Questions: Do you have a favorite time period that you enjoy reading about? Have you read any other books by Julie Lessman?
2. Open to US residents only due to shipping costs.
3. Giveaway begins on 11/15/14 and ends on 11/22/14. Winner will be announced on the blog and emailed on 11/23/14 and will have a week to respond or a new winner will be chosen.