It is not working. I have been in denial all day, refusing to write a review on Julie Lessman’s novel, hoping it means the book is not finished yet. That I have not come to the end of it. That when I go back to it, there will be more to read! I guess it is not happening.
This is one book that gave me no choice. I lived it, together with Lacey and her family, together with Jack and his. And just like life can throw you curve balls, Isle of Hope and twists and turns and surprises that the reader does not see coming, does not even suspect until it hits you. And this is not even a suspense novel!
It is my book of the year. I can almost guarantee that it will be yours, as well, except that we are not clones of each other, so it might not be your favorite. I know that at some point in the story you will identify with one of the characters, though, because they are real and go through the same highs and lows we do,make mistakes, need forgiveness and mercy and need to give others forgiveness too in order to move on with life.
So, expect to enter another life when you pick up this book to read, but also be prepared to be disappointed, because it does come to an end. And I think there will have to be a sequel, because I am not ready to leave the characters for a long time to come.
Thank you so much, Julie for giving me the opportunity to read this book. It is awesome! I received a free Ebook for the purpose of writing a honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own. ( )

"When guided by love, the truth never ruins hope, it only sets it free. Not only does our God redeem and restore human being, He redeems and restores the mistakes they make as well, turning tears of mourning into tears of joy". (Isle of Hope)

Eighteen year-old "wild child" Lacey Carmichael is kicked out of the house by her heart-surgeon father, Ben - numerous hearts are broken when she flees to California with a friend. Eight years later, Lacey has become a woman of faith; though she returns home to Isle of Hope, Georgia to be the maid of honor in her cousin Nicki Phillips' wedding - her greater purpose is to reconcile with her estranged father and the two people she deserted without explanation: previous seminary-bound boyfriend Jack O'Bryen, and her best friend Cathleen (Cat) O'Bryen, Jack's sister.

However, the tables have turned: Jack, heart-broken by Lacey, and bitter over his pastor father Adam's affair with Lacey's mother, Karen - has turned away from God. Known as man about town "Doctor Swoon" by all the nurses, he is a pediatrician at Memorial Hospital. Lacey's guilt, low self-esteem, and the bitterness with which she is met - present huge obstacles in restoring relationships with two dysfunctional families. Numerous uncovered secrets, by both families, cause additional wounds which can only be mended by a God of hope and love.

When I write a Christian Fiction book review, my prayer is always that it will honor both God and the book itself - there is no author whose work I love, and am inspired by, more than that of Julie Lessman. The passion and emotion with which she writes put her work in a lofty category of it's own; I'm always amazed at the number of beautiful characters and stories she is able to weave within the pages of each book. I read 'Isle of Hope' twice - the first time deeply touched and inspired, the second time even more so.

I related to the warmth and realism of it's characters and their stories on a deep level - storing them in the recesses of my heart - identifying with some of their trials re: my own younger life, made me love them even more. As with Julie's other books - God is the key around which the characters revolve; the humor from some characters, along with antics of adorable children, balancing the drama and angst. Scattered amongst my reading moments of tears, smiles, and joy - were some of anger and shock, replaced by the inspiration and redemption of the characters through a loving God of hope and forgiveness.

Even though Christian Historical Fiction is generally my favorite book genre, and I loved each of Julie's 10 novels and 3 novellas in that genre - I feel 'Isle of Hope', her first Contemporary Fiction, is her best work yet. I joyfully await book 2 of the series and the opportunity it will provide to reconnect with some beautiful, inspiring literary friends. ( )