I love Julie Lessman's books. They have wonderful dialogue, great historical detail and some of the best characters I have ever read. In her latest novel, "Love at Any Cost" she takes us to Nob Hill in San Francisco, where the wealthy collide with the disfranchised citizens of the Barbary Coast. Enter Miss Cassidy McClare fresh off the train from Texas who literally collides with her future paramour Jamie McKenna her first day in town.
From Amazon:
Jilted by a fortune hunter, cowgirl Cassidy McClare is a spunky Texas oil heiress without a fortune who would just as soon hogtie a man as look at him. Hoping a summer visit with her wealthy cousins in San Francisco will help her forget her heartache, Cassidy travels west. But no sooner is she settled in beautiful California than Jamie McKenna, a handsome pauper looking to marry well, captures her heart. When Jamie discovers the woman he loves is poorer than he is, Cassidy finds herself bucked by love a second time. Will Jamie discover that money can't buy love after all? And can Cassidy ever learn to fully trust her heart to a man?
With delectable descriptions and a romantic sensibility, bestselling author Julie Lessman brings the Gilded Age to life in this sumptuous new series. Readers will faithfully follow Lessman to the West Coast for more romance, passion, and surprising revelations found in Love at Any Cost.
Miss Lessman is a master storyteller and her specialty, in my humble opinion, is they way she reveals her hero and heroine's inner turmoil in a slow and deliberate manor, with humor and a delicate hand. As a reader I am drawn to the way she developed her characters within the story, immediately pulling you into the McKenna family and building great anticipation as to where the plot would take you.
Her other gift as an author is creating the sexual tension that exists between the hero and heroine. It draws you into their story without being tacky or over the top keeping with the inspirational theme of these romances. Their inner faith journeys are strong and very belivable. I really enjoyed this book and it's message of hope, healing and trust in Gods plan for your life. It's very well done from start to finish.
This is the first book in her Heart of San Francisco series. I cannot wait for the rest. Miss Lessman takes the reader on an adventure for the heart and soul. You can purchase this book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com as well as your local bookseller.
I give this book:
4 cupcakes - It was delightfully delish and I would highly recommend it to others.
I received a free copy of this book from Revell publishers in exchange for my review but my opinions are my own.Labels: On My Bookshelf