Book Review: Love at any Cost, by Julie Lessman

Book: Love at any Cost
ISBN# 978-0-8007-2167-1

Every once in a while I am surprised that I just can’t seem to get into a story. 

I expect most stories to grab and keep my attention but every once in a while I get a book and wonder why I am unable to really dive into the story line and enjoy it.

While Historical Christian Romance books are my favorite books to read and I rarely dislike a good love story. This one just did not do it for me.

Love at any Cost, by Julie Lessman, is a story about a young woman in Texas, whose fiancé calls off the wedding a week before the big day.  His reasons seem to have to do with her father losing money in the oil business. 

Cassidy travels to California to stay with her aunt and cousins. Not long after arriving there, a lawyer local to the area, known as Jamie McKenna becomes attracted to Cassidy and eagerly pursues her. He, just like some of the other good-for-nothing men in her life, has his sights set on her father’s money and all that it could bring for his career and his ailing mother and disabled sister.

Cassidy McClare, a spunky, energetic character who had her mind set on never letting her heart be broken again is determined to protect her heart, if it is the last thing she does.

I must say, I would wear cowgirl boots too if I were her, in that place in time, and I don’t think I would do very well with a girdle squashing my insides!

There are many things in this book that were very good. First, one of the main subjects addressed numerous times was the importance of marrying a man who loves The Lord. 

I appreciated that Cassidy’s Aunt told her why this was significant, from her own experiences, and why it is always God’s design.

I also appreciated the fact that the family cherished time together, and placed value on relationships and family staying together through good times and bad.

So I guess what I feel was lacking with this book, was that Cassidy’s character for me did not fit with the era of the story. I thought it was written somewhat present day. I just can’t see a woman of that day and age saying “pretty men” or “pretty boy” that much. Her quote: “Fooled by a pretty boy once, shame on him. Fooled by a pretty boy twice, shame on me” \

could have been a popular saying back then, but for me it just seemed out of place, for the time period. 

I did love this quote however: “Always remember,” Nana would say, “Life is an adventure and every day a fresh start . . . especially with God by your side.”

I could very well be off my rocker as I know lots of people LOVE this book, so just because I was not “into it” It may very well be your cuppa tea!

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

About the author:

Julie Lessman

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 2011 Readers' Choice Awards, Julie was also awarded #1 Series of the Year in that same poll and #3 Author of the Year, #5 Novel of the Year, and #4 Historical Fiction Author of the year. She resides in Missouri with her family and is the author of The Daughters of Boston series and the Winds of Change series whose first book, A Hope Undaunted, ranked #5 on Booklist's Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010. You can contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.