Surprised by Love

I really liked the heroine of Julie Lessman’s latest release (seems I always do like the main characters of her books!). Actually, I find it hard to believe that I haven’t yet reviewed one of Julie’s books, but my archives tell me this is my first one, so I better make it good since I’ve read almost all of them!

Julie is a great writer who writes Christian romance that teeters on the brink of heartbreaking sometimes. Her characters go through real struggles, heartache, and true love–that’s what I like about them. Julie doesn’t shy away from rifts between her characters. Surprised by Love is no different. Bram doesn’t think a future with Meg can ever be his; Meg wants nothing more. How all the barriers between them are resolved is not an entirely easy road.

But it’s worth it. I love that the message of love–though a surprise sometimes–is clear in all of Julie’s books. God’s love. True love. Both find equal footing in each of her romances.

I will warn you, though: I don’t find the kissing in Julie’s books offensive (it’s more in her books than in other Christian romances in this genre, probably), but I’ve heard some might. This novel is no different in that regard. Does it take away from the story? Not in my opinion. But that’s something each reader must decide. I wouldn’t recommend this book to readers younger than 16, but neither would I say this is an impure or improper book.

One of the other things I love about Julie’s books is that her heroines are strong women who have dreams. Meg’s dream? To win Bram’s love. But she also works in an attorney’s office and on behalf of the less fortunate. There’s also a subplot of a romance between Meg’s mother and her uncle which you probably should read the first two books in the series to best understand–but the ending is pretty beautiful. A wee bit rushed, but no surprise there since it’s spanned the other two books.

If you’re looking for sigh-worthy romance perfect for a chilly winter evening, check out Surprised by Love. 

About the Author

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston series, the Winds of Change series, and The Heart of San Francisco series. The recipient of seventeen Romance Writers of America awards, as well as many other accolades, Lessman was chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2011 and 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards. She resides in Missouri with her family.

Find Julie: Website // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Disclosure: Netgalley and Revell sent me a copy of this book to review. This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.