Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Revell (2010), 512 pages
Description
As the 1920s draw to a close, smart and feisty Katie O'Connor is looking for a husband. But it won't be easy to choose between her good-looking, well-connected, and wealthy boyfriend Jake and the man she swore to despise forever. A highly charged romance.
User reviews
LibraryThing member CaseyMiranda
What keeps a reader immersed in a story? More than just great characters that dance to life, but a passion that drives the story forward. A passion for God and the family that is held together in His love. A HOPE UNDAUNTED is just that kind of story.
I admit I didn’t like the heroine Katie, much
There were moments of angst and laughter as I traversed with the characters. The O’Connors have become my family. I know and love them better, the more time I spend with them. I rejoiced and nearly cried, my heart wrenching for Katie at the crux of her relationships. But in the end my heart sang with the affection I feel for these characters.
But when I closed the last page and put the book my shelf, I was saddened. To leave them behind, these characters I have grown to cherish and adore is heart wrenching. Which I must say is the best part of a truly wonderful novel. Don’t let this one pass you by! A treasure!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
I admit I didn’t like the heroine Katie, much
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at the start, she had such a long way to go before becoming likeable. I dangled by a thread while reading, bouncing back and forth like a ping pong ball as three men battled for Katie’s affection. At one point in the novel I didn’t know which way it was all going to go and was breathless.There were moments of angst and laughter as I traversed with the characters. The O’Connors have become my family. I know and love them better, the more time I spend with them. I rejoiced and nearly cried, my heart wrenching for Katie at the crux of her relationships. But in the end my heart sang with the affection I feel for these characters.
But when I closed the last page and put the book my shelf, I was saddened. To leave them behind, these characters I have grown to cherish and adore is heart wrenching. Which I must say is the best part of a truly wonderful novel. Don’t let this one pass you by! A treasure!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
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LibraryThing member kittycrochettwo
I have never read anything written by Julie Lessman before and I am totally blown away by her ability to draw us into a novel making us feel as if we know the characters personally. The authors writing style captures your attention from the beginning with a story that flows so easily that your
The roaring twenties are coming to an end and Katie O'Connor knows exactly what she is going to do with her life. She is fresh out of high school, and has plans on going to law school in the fall, she wants to become self sufficient, answering to no one, well except her dad that is, because he is the key, she wont be able to attend law school unless he pays for it.
She also has a boyfriend that will be the perfect husband, Jack, he is handsome, well connected, has money everything she could want. Life should be great, right? Well except for the fact that her dad is tired of Katie not obeying curfew, so when he decides to ground her for the summer, and volunteers her to work for the Children's Aide Society. To make matters worse a childhood adversary, Cluny "Luke" McGee will be her boss.
Sparks literally fly between Katie and Luke, and even when it becomes clear that Katie may need to change her well laid plans she is to stubborn to realize it.
I must say that in the beginning I really didn't like Katie very well, she seemed like a spoiled girl to me, but once I got a bit of her background, I saw her in a much different light, and really could understand where she was coming from, and I enjoyed the fact that she was such a strong character, knowing what she wanted.
I really enjoyed how Katie's family was included in this story, the secondary characters were very grounded and their faith in God really shined thru.
I loved reading Katie's story and have fallen in love with the O'Connor family. I can't wait to read the next book in this exciting series !
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totally engrossed and unable to stop reading till the conclusion.The roaring twenties are coming to an end and Katie O'Connor knows exactly what she is going to do with her life. She is fresh out of high school, and has plans on going to law school in the fall, she wants to become self sufficient, answering to no one, well except her dad that is, because he is the key, she wont be able to attend law school unless he pays for it.
She also has a boyfriend that will be the perfect husband, Jack, he is handsome, well connected, has money everything she could want. Life should be great, right? Well except for the fact that her dad is tired of Katie not obeying curfew, so when he decides to ground her for the summer, and volunteers her to work for the Children's Aide Society. To make matters worse a childhood adversary, Cluny "Luke" McGee will be her boss.
Sparks literally fly between Katie and Luke, and even when it becomes clear that Katie may need to change her well laid plans she is to stubborn to realize it.
I must say that in the beginning I really didn't like Katie very well, she seemed like a spoiled girl to me, but once I got a bit of her background, I saw her in a much different light, and really could understand where she was coming from, and I enjoyed the fact that she was such a strong character, knowing what she wanted.
I really enjoyed how Katie's family was included in this story, the secondary characters were very grounded and their faith in God really shined thru.
I loved reading Katie's story and have fallen in love with the O'Connor family. I can't wait to read the next book in this exciting series !
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LibraryThing member tarenn
A HOPE UNDAUNTED by Julie Lessman is a inspirational historical fiction set in 1929 Boston, Massachusetts.It is Book One in the Winds of Change series..It is well written with depth, details, fast paced and a page turner. It has romance, change, faith, wisdom, passion, joy, sorrows,and hope
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undaunted. This is a continence story of the O'Connor clan from the Daughters of Boston series, which was set from 1916 until 1929 and was about the three eldest daughters of the O'Connor clan.This story is about the youngest daughter, Katie Rose and I would dare to say the brothers will come along later in the series. The characters are strong, have a love of God, family, responsibility,friendship and following their dreams. This is a wonderful, powerful story of love, romance, sacrifice, putting others first instead of yourself. I would recommend this book for it truly is an inspiration. This book was received from Revell and details can be found at Baker Publishing and My Book Addiction and More. Show Less
LibraryThing member ReviewsbyMolly
Okay. Let me start this review with SHAME ON ME! Why? Because, sweet saints, I haven't ever read a Julie Lessman novel until this one and I most definitely should have been reading her books already! She is absolutely FANTABULOUS! The power that Julie has over her readers when they open the first
In A Hope Undaunted, Julie combines tenderness and passion with wit and God's love, to create a romance story set in the 1920's that will carry you away and leave you utterly breathless. Katie O'Connor was such an amazing young woman....thinking she had her life all planned out for herself. That is until she encounters a very handsome "soda jerk" by the name of Luke. Luke "Cluny" McGee, the boy she hated as a child, has been chiseled into a stunningly remarkable character. (Julie, can you send him my way, please?!) So, that leaves Katie with a choice....to follow HER hopes and choices, or God's hopes and choices for her life. A beautifully created plot line!
For years, I've collected The Queen of Christian Fiction, Karen Kingsbury's book, including true crime novels she wrote prior to her Christian work, and the ones that are under her pen name, but after reading this breathtaking, passionate story of a hope undaunted and a love that's pure, Julie Lessman has earned a spot on my favorite authors list at the very top, pushing Karen Kingsbury down one. It takes an absolutely fantastic author to do that because I've held Karen Kingsbury at the top of my list for years! I'm still in awe and savoring this unforgettable story and it's characters!
So, what you waiting for?! Don't be a ninny like myself , who waited TOO long to read her work. GO GET A COPY OF A HOPE UNDAUNTED RIGHT NOW! You will instantly fall in love with the people in this book as they crawl in and take over your heart. Worthy of 1,005 stars, this 5 star book is a MUST read for everyone! Thank you, Julie, for creating a story full of passion, history and a breathtaking plot....it's what I was needing and looking for! Now, I anxiously await the release of book 2, A Heart Revealed, in the Winds of Change series!
*This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group*
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page is mind-blowingly INCREDIBLE! In A Hope Undaunted, Julie combines tenderness and passion with wit and God's love, to create a romance story set in the 1920's that will carry you away and leave you utterly breathless. Katie O'Connor was such an amazing young woman....thinking she had her life all planned out for herself. That is until she encounters a very handsome "soda jerk" by the name of Luke. Luke "Cluny" McGee, the boy she hated as a child, has been chiseled into a stunningly remarkable character. (Julie, can you send him my way, please?!) So, that leaves Katie with a choice....to follow HER hopes and choices, or God's hopes and choices for her life. A beautifully created plot line!
For years, I've collected The Queen of Christian Fiction, Karen Kingsbury's book, including true crime novels she wrote prior to her Christian work, and the ones that are under her pen name, but after reading this breathtaking, passionate story of a hope undaunted and a love that's pure, Julie Lessman has earned a spot on my favorite authors list at the very top, pushing Karen Kingsbury down one. It takes an absolutely fantastic author to do that because I've held Karen Kingsbury at the top of my list for years! I'm still in awe and savoring this unforgettable story and it's characters!
So, what you waiting for?! Don't be a ninny like myself , who waited TOO long to read her work. GO GET A COPY OF A HOPE UNDAUNTED RIGHT NOW! You will instantly fall in love with the people in this book as they crawl in and take over your heart. Worthy of 1,005 stars, this 5 star book is a MUST read for everyone! Thank you, Julie, for creating a story full of passion, history and a breathtaking plot....it's what I was needing and looking for! Now, I anxiously await the release of book 2, A Heart Revealed, in the Winds of Change series!
*This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group*
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LibraryThing member MichelleSutton
I adore stories that include sacrificial love themes as well as tough love. This story has both. Real love, the kind that comes from God, seeks another person's good over their own will. Nothing gets the waterworks going for me quicker than sacrificial love in a story. That's why the story of
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Christ's redemption is so powerful and emotional. It is a rare and beautiful thing when people find this kind of love that "seeks not its own way" with each other. This story was also very romantic and I never knew what would happen next. I love that. Show Less
LibraryThing member busymommy01
The boy she loved to hate becomes the man she hates to love..." Whew! If that one line doesn't get you, I don't know what will! In her fourth book, Julie continues the story of the O'Connor family with the story of feisty Katie. The youngest of the O'Connor clan, readers of the Daughter's of Boston
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series will remember her as a spunky, sassy little girl too big for her britches. And no one can forget cocky Cluny McGee, the bane of her 10 year-old existence! You can only imagine the sparks that fly when these two get within 3 feet of each other. Once again, Julie weaves love, devotion, and of course passion into a story you won’t want to end! Another swoon-worthy read from Julie Lessman! Show Less
LibraryThing member dk_phoenix
Of the three books I received for review from Graf-Martin Communications this month (October), I was most excited about reading this one. I mean, just look at the cover! It’s not often that you see a 1920s-themed novel, particularly inspirational fiction, and this one sounded like a good read to
Oh, how quickly things change.
I almost didn’t finish the book. It’s long – over 500 pages – and by the time I made it halfway through, I didn’t care about any of the characters or what happened to them. In fact, I put the book aside and said to my husband “I can’t finish this, I’m so bored”. But I ended up finishing it for one reason alone: I had to fall asleep early a few nights in a row (I had to get up earlier than usual for a few mornings) so I used to book to help me fall asleep. I know, it’s a terrible thing to admit, but this book just wasn’t for me.
However, I’m going to put a big asterisk on my statement, because I suspect the story will actually find a very wide audience, and here’s why: The whole entire book reads like a soap opera. I’m completely serious – if you like watching soap operas, you will probably love this book.
Here’s what didn’t work for me:
- Ten billion characters: There were way, way too many characters in this book, and by the end of the novel, I still didn’t have straight who was married to who and whose kids were whose… and I read fantasy, people. I’m no stranger to large casts, but when everyone in the book looks and sounds the same, it’s very confusing. But you know who has large casts that are hard to keep straight? Soap operas. Yep.
- Changing points of view without changing voice: Sometimes, a scene would end, only to pick back up in the exact same spot in the next scene break, but from the point of view of the opposite character. Now, this is an interesting way to provide insight into your characters and give a sense of perspective, but if you’re going to write in multiple voices, the voices must be distinct. And that’s hard to do when you have, oh, say ten to fifteen different POVs at various times throughout the novel. I also found that this constant shifting made it very difficult to get invested in the main characters, because it was hard to know which person/couple/issue we were supposed to be connecting to and investing emotionally in.
- Cliché, melodramatic plot twists: (SPOILER ALERT) Will they be together? Won’t they? No, they can’t, because this person’s sense of duty requires him to marry this person, but OH MY GOSH NOW SHE’S DEAD so it’ll work, but no, the heroine is now with someone else, but OH MY GOSH HE WANTS TO BE A PRIEST so it’ll work, but no, the pain of death is too fresh, but OH MY GOSH THEY CAN BE FRIENDS INSTEAD until a proposal comes OUT OF THE BLUE and they all live happily ever after.
Umm… what?
Like I said: Soap opera.
For me, this was pure tedium. I didn’t care about anyone, and the plot “twists” made me groan at every turn. However, it’s just like a soap opera in the sense that there are too many people, the twists are random (and convenient), and the schlocky romance is over the top. If you love soap operas, I honestly think this is the kind of book you’ll enjoy. As for me, I hope I never go near another book like this again.
P.S.: The writing is also very good, apart from the whole voice-doesn’t-change-with-character-POV-shifts thing. The author has received a large number of RWA awards, so I have to credit her for being able to tell a good story, even if her stories aren’t for me.
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boot.Oh, how quickly things change.
I almost didn’t finish the book. It’s long – over 500 pages – and by the time I made it halfway through, I didn’t care about any of the characters or what happened to them. In fact, I put the book aside and said to my husband “I can’t finish this, I’m so bored”. But I ended up finishing it for one reason alone: I had to fall asleep early a few nights in a row (I had to get up earlier than usual for a few mornings) so I used to book to help me fall asleep. I know, it’s a terrible thing to admit, but this book just wasn’t for me.
However, I’m going to put a big asterisk on my statement, because I suspect the story will actually find a very wide audience, and here’s why: The whole entire book reads like a soap opera. I’m completely serious – if you like watching soap operas, you will probably love this book.
Here’s what didn’t work for me:
- Ten billion characters: There were way, way too many characters in this book, and by the end of the novel, I still didn’t have straight who was married to who and whose kids were whose… and I read fantasy, people. I’m no stranger to large casts, but when everyone in the book looks and sounds the same, it’s very confusing. But you know who has large casts that are hard to keep straight? Soap operas. Yep.
- Changing points of view without changing voice: Sometimes, a scene would end, only to pick back up in the exact same spot in the next scene break, but from the point of view of the opposite character. Now, this is an interesting way to provide insight into your characters and give a sense of perspective, but if you’re going to write in multiple voices, the voices must be distinct. And that’s hard to do when you have, oh, say ten to fifteen different POVs at various times throughout the novel. I also found that this constant shifting made it very difficult to get invested in the main characters, because it was hard to know which person/couple/issue we were supposed to be connecting to and investing emotionally in.
- Cliché, melodramatic plot twists: (SPOILER ALERT) Will they be together? Won’t they? No, they can’t, because this person’s sense of duty requires him to marry this person, but OH MY GOSH NOW SHE’S DEAD so it’ll work, but no, the heroine is now with someone else, but OH MY GOSH HE WANTS TO BE A PRIEST so it’ll work, but no, the pain of death is too fresh, but OH MY GOSH THEY CAN BE FRIENDS INSTEAD until a proposal comes OUT OF THE BLUE and they all live happily ever after.
Umm… what?
Like I said: Soap opera.
For me, this was pure tedium. I didn’t care about anyone, and the plot “twists” made me groan at every turn. However, it’s just like a soap opera in the sense that there are too many people, the twists are random (and convenient), and the schlocky romance is over the top. If you love soap operas, I honestly think this is the kind of book you’ll enjoy. As for me, I hope I never go near another book like this again.
P.S.: The writing is also very good, apart from the whole voice-doesn’t-change-with-character-POV-shifts thing. The author has received a large number of RWA awards, so I have to credit her for being able to tell a good story, even if her stories aren’t for me.
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LibraryThing member lexiesmom
i received this book for free in exchange for posting an honest review.
The book is set in the late 1920's just before and running into the Depression. After getting caught coming in after curfew Katey, a badly spoiled rich girl must face the consequences. In addition to being kept from seeing her
This book was wonderful. Julie Lessman, captured the essence of the era perfectly. I think that the younger generations will be surprised on tithes lack of freedom granted to women at that time.
The book does make mention of the Christian faith. The author got the importance of faith without being preachy.
With surprises at every turn this book will keep you reading. I couldn't quit until I found out what happened next. I was awake all night.
The book is set in the late 1920's just before and running into the Depression. After getting caught coming in after curfew Katey, a badly spoiled rich girl must face the consequences. In addition to being kept from seeing her
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boyfriend for some time, she must volunteer for the entire summer at a local orphanage. There she is surprised to see that her boss is her former childhood nemesis. This book was wonderful. Julie Lessman, captured the essence of the era perfectly. I think that the younger generations will be surprised on tithes lack of freedom granted to women at that time.
The book does make mention of the Christian faith. The author got the importance of faith without being preachy.
With surprises at every turn this book will keep you reading. I couldn't quit until I found out what happened next. I was awake all night.
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LibraryThing member BonnieRoof
Katie O'Connor is a stubborn, spit-fire whose beau, Jack Worthington, is "wrapped around her finger", and meets all the criteria on her list: wealthy, handsome, and well-connected. Her plans to marry Jack, enter law school, and fight for women's rights, are interrupted when she is unexpectedly
"A Hope Undaunted" - the first novel in the Winds of Change trilogy - opens in 1929 Boston, and is the continuation of the O'Connor family saga, which started with the Daughters of Boston trilogy. Warm interactions between family members previously introduced - continue in "A Hope Undaunted", as well as that of numerous new characters, among them - scene stealer Gabe, a feisty, eight year old orphan, and Parker Riley - Katie's kind, easy-going boss.
There are numerous "twists-and-turns" in "A Hope Undaunted" - as in all of Julie Lessman's novels - both heart-breaking and heart-warming. I experienced many emotions while reading this beautiful, powerful, classic Julie Lessman, story - that is filled with humor, drama, tears, anger, romance, excitement, angst, passion, characters so realistic I feel I know them personally, and an inspirational family of faith, whose love and passion is centered around God, and which drew me closer to Him through their experiences!!
Julie Lessman is a master at her craft - her novels inspire and touch me deeply!! They're hard to put down, bring me joy with their happy endings, always leave me wanting more, and leave warm memories that last long after finishing them!!
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forced to spend the summer away from Jack, and work with childhood friend Luke, aka "Cluny", McGee, with whom she had a love/hate relationship. Even though the scrawny, dirty, street-wise "Cluny" has grown into a tall, handsome, intelligent lawyer - the sparks fly between them from the first chapter. In a family filled with faith - Katie questions hers, and fights with her father for control of her life, and the expressions of his love she feels she is lacking."A Hope Undaunted" - the first novel in the Winds of Change trilogy - opens in 1929 Boston, and is the continuation of the O'Connor family saga, which started with the Daughters of Boston trilogy. Warm interactions between family members previously introduced - continue in "A Hope Undaunted", as well as that of numerous new characters, among them - scene stealer Gabe, a feisty, eight year old orphan, and Parker Riley - Katie's kind, easy-going boss.
There are numerous "twists-and-turns" in "A Hope Undaunted" - as in all of Julie Lessman's novels - both heart-breaking and heart-warming. I experienced many emotions while reading this beautiful, powerful, classic Julie Lessman, story - that is filled with humor, drama, tears, anger, romance, excitement, angst, passion, characters so realistic I feel I know them personally, and an inspirational family of faith, whose love and passion is centered around God, and which drew me closer to Him through their experiences!!
Julie Lessman is a master at her craft - her novels inspire and touch me deeply!! They're hard to put down, bring me joy with their happy endings, always leave me wanting more, and leave warm memories that last long after finishing them!!
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LibraryThing member RomanceReaderToo
Wow! Was I excited to get this book as a free download from amazon! And when I realized that A Hope Undaunted was the beginning of a new trilogy by Julie Lessman that continues with three wonderful stories of members of the O'Connor family, I did mental cartwheels and sat down to read. This book
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provided me with many hours of reading pleasure as the youngest O'Connor daughter, Katie, is spotlighted. I so loved this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member debs4jc
Katie O'Connor, part of the large O'Connor family, has her plans upended when her father - and the stock market crash - force her into working as an intern instead of going to school. There she is none too pleased to be working with Cluny McGee, whom she has disliked since childhood. Her dreams of
I liked most of the basic storyline of this book, but parts of it I disliked such as the emphasis on (and continued writing about) the physical attraction between the characters. A certain type of Christian fiction romance reader would enjoy this one and more like it, but not me.
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marrying her wealthy boyfriend Jack, getting a college education, and becoming a force for change seem to be on hold but she hopes to reclaim them. But her physical attraction for Cluny, and her desire to help others, may by leading her in in a different direction.I liked most of the basic storyline of this book, but parts of it I disliked such as the emphasis on (and continued writing about) the physical attraction between the characters. A certain type of Christian fiction romance reader would enjoy this one and more like it, but not me.
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Language
Original language
English
Physical description
8.5 inches
ISBN
9780800734152