Oddly enough, the synopsis for this book brings one of my absolute favorite movies to mind. Young girl, shy and introverted goes to Paris and returns all grown up.

Of course my favorite version is the 1995 remake with Julia Ormond, Greg Kinnear and Harrison Ford not the original with Audrey Hepburn, William Holden and Humphrey Bogart which is ultimately sadder and holds a much darker theme.

Surprised by Love is a wonderful Historical adventure - full of forgiveness, romance and of course.. surprise.

I was thoroughly intrigued by the wonderful story - and was surprised to discover that this is the third book in a series. It does not read that way. You should have no trouble at all with feeling lost in the midst of a series.

Megan is not at all what I pictured from reading the back cover copy. She is a bit of a spitfire which makes perfect sense when you consider that she has taken an internship in the District Attorneys office.

I am not about to spoil the outcome for you you will HAVE to read it for yourself but I will tell you that it surprised me!

This is not a book to miss!

And of course now I have to go hunt down more books. LOL!

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big fan of Julie Lessman's romance novels and highly recommend them all to be read in the order written. This book continues on with the McClare family and is written with the same wonderful story line, romance, and passion as Julie's other books. I really like the story of Clare and am glad she made the right decision at the end of this story. I'm hoping for more books from the McClare family, because we haven't yet heard the story of each of the family members like we did the O'Connor's of Boston. Please keep writing these great stories of romantic and passionate love that you do write so well, Julie Lessman! I'm ready for more!! Don't stop writing and please continue to share your wonderful, God-given gift with us.

I love reviewing books. I especially love reviewing Julie Lessman's books. Beautifully written, with heartfelt drama and witty storytelling, Surprised by Love is bound to win over many hearts, as it did mine. It's the kind of story that makes reading fun. It was entertaining from the start and downright charming from first to last page.

While the characters are haunted by past hurts, they're also torn between their heart's desires and fears, and along the way they learn some valuable lessons. I wanted to hug each and every member of the McClare family. Or at the very least join them at that amusing dinner table of theirs. What lively conversations they always have. ;)

And those love triangles had me turning the pages faster than I could read! The last half of the book was especially captivating. Yes, I'm baiting you. Go read it! :)

My only regret is not having read the first in the series yet. Having been given the chance to review the second and third books in The Heart of San Francisco series, I couldn't resist jumping ahead. While each one holds its own nicely, I would recommend you starting from the beginning if you have the chance. I have a feeling you'll be that much more enthralled with the McClare family and friends.

Another thing I like and appreciate about this writer's style is that I never quite know how it's going to end. How "we" will get to the "Happy Ending" - the characters and I - is still a mystery up to the last page. The ending never comes prematurely, but continues on in perfect rhythm and delivers in due time, rewarding its readers wonderfully by book's end.

What can I say? I love watching (and reading) when best friends fall in love. It's a beautiful thing. I married my own best friend two years ago and I have a small plaque hanging in our home that always makes me smile. "True love is friendship set on fire." I love that. And it fits perfectly for this story too.

Love is a fire, alright. And Julie Lessman knows how to write it very well. ;)

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher for my copy.

Award-winning author JULIE LESSMAN has not only come up with the perfect ending to The Heart of San Francisco novel series with "SURPRISED BY LOVE" but also one of her very best novels.

Shy, wallflower Megan McClare leaves her home in San Francisco for a year's study in Paris and returns in 1904 with a new-found confidence and beauty that takes her family and friends by surprise. None are more surprised than best friend Bram Hughes and Devin Caldwell (who teased and mocked her in school). Sparks fly when Meg accepts an internship at the district attorney's office and discovers she will be working alongside Devin. A romantic triangle ensues for Meg when Bram becomes more than a best friend and Devin also becomes enamored with her charms. Readers of the previous two novels in the series will be thrilled by the advances made in the love/hate relationship between Meg's mother, Caitlyn, and Meg's uncle - Logan.

Once again, Julie Lessman has given readers a novel with a beautiful story line - full of passion, angst and romance - that will entertain and inspire, provoke emotions from laughter to anger to tears, endear them to it's realistic characters, surprise with unexpected "twists and turns", and leave them wanting yet more of the heart-warming McClare family - after they turn the final page with it's happy ending. "SURPRISED BY LOVE" - a novel you will love, treasure and reread again and again!!!!

When fear knocks at our heart's door we need to permit faith to answer. Only then are we trusting Jesus no matter what ("The Abraham Factor"). Julie weaves a tremendous thread of faith over fear throughout this fun filled story of love and sacrifice. A totally wonderful conclusion to the McClare Family saga (The Heart of San Francisco #3). I loved this book so much! You will too. Enjoy!!