A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

This book was wonderful! The characters, the setting, the time period, it all was a delight to read and if you haven’t read this book yet, I highly suggest running out and getting a copy!

I really loved reading about the characters that were introduced in Julie Lessman’s first series! This is book 2 in the Winds of Change series and if you read it, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Emma Malloy, a secondary character in the Daughter’s of Boston series (Charity’s story) has fled Ireland to come to the states. She’s married and she’s escaping from her husband who has severely disfigured her face by throwing a pan of hot grease onto her skin. Emma’s scars are both physical and emotional as she struggles to keep her marriage vows while in the States.

This story takes place during the Great Depression and Emma works in a department store. She loves her work and she lives alone in her apartment with her cat. Emma has come to terms with the fact that she’ll always be alone since she can’t break her marriage vows to Rory. Although her husband is a lowlife, abuser, drunkard and adulterer, Emma still can’t find it in herself to break the vow she made before God to love, honor and obey her husband.

However, Sean O’Connor is smitten with Emma, but knows he can’t be with a married woman. Sean is battling his own demons – he has a rage that’s scary – a rage that he keeps under control for most of his life, but, when that rage snaps…

I loved this story because it shows how two broken people, people burdened with problems and guilt, find a slice of solace and comfort with one another, even though they know there’s no permanent way for them to be together. Sean reveals the reasons behind his rage to Father Mac, the priest, and he also shares a deep secret with Emmma about himself. It’s a secret that tells the extent of his rage and his dark secret also explains why Sean has an aversion to marriage. He’s a confirmed bachelor and he feels he’s happy being alone.

It was nice to visit with the characters from the other novels, too. I loved reading the side stories about Charity and Katie and their spouses. This novel shows that marriages are hard to work through, but, problems are dealt with through the deep love and affection that these couples share.

I enjoyed seeing the women gather in the warm kitchen, sewing, eating dinner, talking about their lives, sharing fellowship. The camaraderie among the women and other family members is joyous – almost makes you want to be a part of this loving, large family! 🙂

I also loved the passion…yes, the passion in this story! I loved reading how it feels to kiss the one that you love – to be with the one that you love! The physical attraction was enticing and as I said before about Julie’s books, it’s one aspect of her writing that sets her apart from other novelists. The passion is realistic and it’s like a breath of fresh air on these pages.

I could go on and on about how much I loved this book! It’s difficult to talk about it further without giving spoilers but suffice it to say it’s a tantalizing and enjoyable 500-page read! 🙂

Many thanks to Baker Revell for providing me with a free review copy.

~Cecelia Dowdy~