Review: Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman

I have found a new literary family to love! In Isle of Hope, the author has crafted a story that is rich and deep. There are multiple layers of pain and regret to dig through for Jack, Lacey, Tess, and Ben, as well as the other members of the O’Bryen family. But woven through this book are such precious moments. There are moments of humor and togetherness between family members, forgiveness over things so painful that the power to do so can only come from leaning on God, and a love that never truly disappeared.

This story grabbed me and held on, just getting better and better with every page I turned. One of the reasons that this author’s stories capture me so much is her ability to weave many layers into the overall novel. This is not simply a book about a man named Jack and a woman named Lacey. It is much more. The past and present collide, forgiveness is a possibility hoped for, hurts are exposed, and the chance for love to prevail can only happen when God is given the opportunity to heal the hearts of those involved.

I loved this book and will be anxiously awaiting the next in the series.

(5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

She stole his heart.
He stole her peace.
Can hope steal their pain?

At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack O’Bryen, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope, turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can a turning of tables—and hearts—lead the way back to “hope” for them all?

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.

You can order your own copy by clicking on the book cover: