His Steadfast Love (Isle of Hope Book 3) by Julie Lessman

Book Description:

She’s bent on fun.
He’s bent on faith.
Till true love bridges the gap.

Cat O’Bryen is the prodigal daughter unhappy with God. First, the father with whom she reconciled dies of cancer and now her twin sister and best friend marries, leaving Cat at home with a newlywed mother, her new husband, and a little brother. But when Cat moves in with a roommate of questionable morals, her family is worried, certain she’s on a path that could damage her faith forever.

Reluctant to get involved with a woman like the one who destroyed his life, ex-Navy SEAL Pastor Chase Griffin steers clear of the attraction he feels for Cat O’Bryen. Until her family begs him to take her under his wing, hoping he can draw her back into the fold. But when the draw she has on him proves too strong to resist, he must rely on the strength of God to offer a friendship as steady and strong as the God whose love is wooing her home.

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Lessman does it again! She masterfully hooks readers in and keeps them engaged throughout the novel. I am not going to lie, I love her books, and as is quiet often the case, I cannot put them down. This was one of those occasions where I had to stay up late to finish this novel, the same day I started it! And it was so worth it! Lessman left me with a grin permanently on my face, and a day later it is still there! 

This novel is both sweet and at times steamy; filled with truth, faith, romance and grace. I had a smile upon my face almost the whole way through and caught myself chuckling out loud a few times too! Lessman amazes me at how well she can craft a novel; fitting all the pieces together so organically, where the faith lessons, the romance and the characters shine. So, all the while lessons on forgiveness, purity, faith, and mercy play out, I am still feeling the chemistry between the characters and it sizzles!

I love that she brings back into play the previous characters and their stories continue to unfold. That is another gift Lessman has, one of creating such strong characters and relationships that we dearly love, and continuing to build upon these relationships between families and friendships throughout the series. They are lively, engaging and make you wish you could often be right there with them! 

One lesson that shined forth in this story was that of battling our fears. Do we let our fears guide our decisions or do we follow God in faith? God did not give us a spirit of fear, He broke our chains and set us free! There are abundant blessings He has for us if we will step out in faith and embrace our freedom in Christ!

As an aside, I will mention that there are some steamy moments included in this novel between some of the married couples. Nothing explicit! Just a lot of sizzle, all the while remaining clean. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and this last novel was the icing on the cake! Happy sighs!!! I am eager to see what Lessman has in store for us next! In the mean time, savor this one!