DNF because... PUKE! GAG! SCREAM! I HATE books where the so-called hero/love interest forces himself on the lady to "prove" she's attracted to him. That is seriously scary and dangerous. Any man who thinks any form of unwanted attention is ok as long as it's done in a flirting manner is a jerk and no one I'd want to associate with. The love interest in this book forces several kisses on the main character while she screams, hits, and kicks him... And this happens immediately after she tells him in a clear and polite way that she is not interested in him because she just had her heart broken. I am not going to read any more. I don't care if he ends up redeeming himself. I don't like the message it sends to the women who will end up reading this story. Because this is a Christian romance, I can predict that the man will change and humble himself and they will fall in love and live happily ever after. But too many women stay in abusive and manipulative relationships where they are not respected or safe. I shudder to think some young woman would read this and think that it would be romantic to have a handsome young man force himself on her.

Ugh... I just feel sick after reading that chapter.

Two minutes later... Argh! I don't know why but I read the next two pages after the disgusting kiss chapter and it gets even worse. Her cousin thinks it's flattering that he forced himself on her and that Cassie, the main character, is at fault because she's "too pretty" (and that's a direct quote.) If this were a physical book instead of a digital one, I'd burn it. ( )

I enjoyed and appreciated this story very much, for many different reasons. It had so many fun phrases from Cassidy McClare, the lady from Texas who is rough around the edges, but also very much a woman to be admired. There were also many spiritual lessons to be learned in this story, one of which is not giving in to the passions of the heart, but waiting till God sends the right man into your life. I had a hard time putting this story down, until I finished it. Looking forward to reading more in this series!

Jamie MacKenna has had to work hard to get where he is today and nothing is going to stop him from finding a wealthy young woman to marry, to help him pay for his young sister's surgery, so she can walk again without pain. So he sets out to capture young Cassie McClare's heart, as she is pretty and rich (or so he assumes). But he wasn't planning on actually falling in love with her in the process. Cassie is trying to get over a bad break-up and wants nothing to do with the "pretty boy" from San Francisco, but after awhile you know Jamie is winning her over (watching this happen is a lot of fun). But Jamie doesn't trust a God who doesn't seem to care for him and Cassie can't give her heart totally to him because of that. Watching this all play out was very rewarding. There is also some romance going on with her Aunt Cait and Logan McClare that is another part of this story. And there are surprises at the end that make the story line even more interesting. I wish I had time to list all the great "comebacks" Cassie had to Jamie and all the great spiritual lessons that the ladies in this story shared with each other about waiting on God to give you the right man at the right time. That God will give you the desires of your heart if you are willing to let go and let God. Get ready to enjoy yourself as you head to San Francisco in the early 1900's. ( )

Rich in historical facts, down to the last detail, including late Edwardian fashion, Hershey bars, Dr. Pepper, and popular era music.

And it contains a signature Lessman plot twist that will leave you with your mouth dangling open. :)

Looking forward to more of her San Fransisco books. ( )

Well, here we go again! Another wonderful read to start off a new series by Julie Lessman. As in her other works, Julie presents such an enjoyable story with very compelling characters that touch your heart. Glad there are 2 more books in this series and I have them lined up on my kindle to read next. ( )

In May 1902, Cassidy McClare - cowgirl, and Texas oil heiress (whose father's oil well had run dry) - visits her wealthy cousins in San Francisco in hopes of forgetting her heartache over a jilted relationship with a fortune hunter. Although not wanting a relationship with another charming "pretty boy" - she falls in love with family friend, Jamie MacKenna, not realizing he's another fortune hunter, hoping to provide a better life for his mother and sister - and the surgery needed by his sister, to heal from an accident for which Jamie feels responsible. Unbeknownst to Jamie, Cassie has even less money than he.

Cassie is a "spit-fire" who had me laughing one minute and crying along with her, the next!! Jamie's family situation tugged at my "heart strings", even more so when a "bombshell" was dropped - late in the novel. The love/hate romantic relationship between Cassie's Aunt Cait and Cait's deceased husband's brother, Logan - adds "spice" to the story, along with the humor of a talking parrot, a butler with hearing problems, a "crotchedy" cook, and numerous delightful cousins.

"Love at Any Cost" is the first novel in the Heart of San Francisco trilogy by award-winning author, Julie Lessman. It is a departure from Julie's Daughter of Boston and Winds of Change trilogies - a lighter, shorter, less complicated novel, with less romantic and spiritual passion (the trademark for which her novels are known). However - there is more than enough passion to satisfy, the characters are realistic and endearing, the central theme of releasing one's life into God's hands, and trusting Him for the best solutions to life's trials and tribulations - is present, as in all of Julie's novels, and there is the, as always, happy ending. "Love at Any Cost" is a wonderful story of faith, regret, redemption, forgiveness, love, and hope!!

I found myself regretful at finishing the reading of "Love at Any Cost", but eagerly anticipating the next novel in the series, "Dare to Love Again"!! Julie's novels always stir my emotions, inspire my faith, speak to my heart with her touching, warm, family settings and realistic characters, and leave me wanting more - she never disappoints!! ( )