Surprised by Love (The Heart of San Francisco #3) by Julie Lessman

Title: Surprised by Love (The Heart of San Francisco #3)

Author: Julie Lessman

Pages: 416

Year: 2014

Publisher: Revell

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     She can turn the head of the man who spurned her – but can she turn his heart?

     When Megan McClare left San Francisco to study in Paris, no one would accuse her of being poised and pretty. But on the other side of the Atlantic, this wallflower blossomed into a beauty with big dreams. When she returns to California and accepts an internship at the district attorney’s office, she’s thrilled that her life is taking shape. But the exciting opportunity quickly loses its glow when she discovers she’ll be working alongside Devin Caldwell, who mercilessly mocked her at school – and with whom she was hopelessly enamored.

     Bram Hughes is the best friend to whom Megan has always turned for support and advice. But when she seeks his counsel about working with Devin Caldwell, Bram’s vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a little sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?

My review:

     Incredible Christian historical romance.

     Julie has again crafted a wonderful story. She has done a masterful job of developing not one but two love triangles for this book.

     As with the first two books in this series we spend a lot of time in the McClare household in early 20^th century San Francisco. We venture out from there with the main characters to see what life was like in this time and place.

     The characters are beautifully described and superbly developed. With such a large cast of characters I’m amazed at how each personality is built up and then each one stays true to themselves throughout the story.

     I loved seeing how many of the individuals grow in their relationship with God throughout the story. The calm strong believer is willing to help direct others to God and yet he doesn’t shove his belief down other people’s throats. I really like that.

     As soon as I saw that this story takes place in San Francisco in 1904, my mind jumped ahead to the earthquake of 1906. As I fell more and more in love with these wonderful characters I couldn’t help wondering how they would fare when the earthquake struck. I would love to see more books in this series so that this question can be answered.

     This is a fantastic book and I give it 5 stars and highly recommend it.