MY REVIEW:
Book two in Julie Lessman’s The Heart of San Francisco series, “Dare to Love Again” once again provides the reader with an emotional yet satisfying story with memorable characters. Featuring Allison McClare who played a supporting role in “Love at Any Cost”, this installment introduces dashing Nick Barone as her potential love interest. Both characters are admired and loved by almost everyone but for some reason they cannot seem to get along at all. In my experience that is usually an indicator that a major romance is in store for the reader.
Allison, whose heart has been broken one too many times, has dedicated herself to helping the less fortunate. She is also quite determined to be independent but her quest for independence seems to lead her into all sorts of dangerous situations. Hired by Allison’s uncle Logan to protect her, Nick finds himself gradually won over by her genuine care for others and her zest for life. As the two are forced to spend time together, their friendship blossoms with possibilities. Is it possible for them to learn to depend on God once again and let him heal the wounds from their past so that there is hope for the future?
Once again Julie Lessman has come through with a delightful book that kept me thoroughly engrossed. At times the humor had me laughing but at other times the characters’ pain gained my sympathy. Perhaps as the author stated, “Dare to Love Again” may not be as passionate as some of her previous novels, but the romantic tension was nevertheless quite evident. Julie Lessman has proved to be a gifted author and I look forward to anything she has to offer her readers in the future. Hoping for more about other members of the LeClare family soon.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s a sassy socialite burned by love. He’s a jaded cop burned by the upper class.
When sparks fly . . . will love catch fire again?
Spunky Allison McClare is determined to be a fearless, independent woman. But when she takes a notion to explore the wild Barbary Coast, she quickly discovers she’s no match for the unsavory characters that haunt the dark streets.
Detective Nick Barone would rather do almost anything than teach this petite socialite self-defense, but it seems he has little choice. Sparks fly every time the two meet until a grudging friendship develops into something deeper. But is he just a fraud like all the rest of the men Allison’s cared for? Or is he the one who will let her dare to love again?
Award-winning author Julie Lessman brings the glamour of Gilded Age San Francisco to vibrant life in this journey to find a love that never fails.
Endorsements:
“With memorable characters and an effervescent plot that’s as buoyant as it is entertaining, Dare to Love Again is Julie Lessman at her zestful best.”–Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of A Lasting Impression and To Whisper Her Name
“Nobody pens a more splendid romance than Julie! The expert on dazzling dialogue, engaging characters, and wonderful romantic plots with a twist wins my heart over every time.”–Maggie Brendan, author of Heart of the West and The Blue Willow Brides series
“Julie’s ability to thread romance and longing, deception and forgiveness, and lots of humor are unparalleled by anyone else in the Christian market today.”–Rachel McRae, LifeWay Stores
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Lessman is an award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston series and the Winds of Change series and was ACFW’s 2009 Debut Author of the Year. Voted #1 Romance Author of the year in the Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards, Julie was also on Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction list and is the recipient of fifteen RWA awards. Learn more about Julie and her books HERE.
