Seasons Change – Fall Into Love with Julie Lessman

by | Oct 21, 2010 | Fiction Book Reviews, inspirational fiction | 66 comments

Well, if you’ve been a regular visitor, you know I’m a BIG fan of Julie Lessman’s. I have all her books! ALL! Or at least all the published ones 😉 I’m also her BFF – right, Jules? 😉 Just kidding, but she has been a great mentor, teacher, and encourager for the past year. OVER a year. Can you believe that, Julie? The first email you sent me was in May 2009 🙂 And I’m soooo grateful!!!!

Icing to the cake – Julie and I met in person at ACFW last month and I got a real-life hug. She always ends her emails with ‘Hugs’ – but a cyberhug just can’t compare with the real thing. Her personality can truly light up the room – and possibly cause an electrical outage 🙂 And people flock to her. She’s constantly bombarded with fans, friends, and stalkers like me.

Well, today we have a treat.  I understand she has a very special sneak peek for us today.

AND A GIVEAWAY of A HOPE UNDAUNTED!!!! Make sure you leave a comment to have a chance to win!!! GREAT BOOK!

What are some elements that are present when a hero and heroine first realize they are falling in love with each other? What are some beautiful, interesting, unique ways of showing that realization?

I have to be honest—in each of my four books, animosity between my heroine and hero is present from the get-go, so in cases like that it’s a slow-building friendship that eases into more.

BUT … in my fifth book, A Heart Revealed, it’s different. Sean O’Connor and Emma Malloy are already very good friends, with no indication that they are falling in love. Elements present in their relationship are comfortable annoyance and affection, teasing and respect, components that slowly begin to bubble and rise until they spill over like a pot on the boil, scalding their sensibilities when they realize the danger of being burned.

 In the following scene, Emma wants teach Sean to dance to make his girlfriend Rose happy when he takes her to a wedding. The scene begins with Sean’s annoyance when his best friend (Emma) pushes him into learning to dance. But once the lesson begins, the affection and teasing of their friendship grow until it boils over, catching them both by surprise with its heat.

 “I know,” she said meekly, the twinkle in her eyes belying her solemn manner. “But if you could have seen the look on Rose’s face when she said how she wished you could dance …”

“I’ve seen it,” he said in terse tone, “and apparently it had a greater effect on you than it did on me.” He huffed out a sigh. “Close the door, Emma,” he ordered, rather enjoying making her pay for forcing his hand. She had way too much influence on him as it was and sometimes it ruffled his Irish. He folded his arms and perched on the edge of her desk, experiencing a sudden twinge of sympathy for both Mitch and Luke in dealing with women like his sisters—strong-willed, stubborn and bent on getting their way. Emma Malloy certainly hadn’t fit into that category until recently, he thought. His lips slanted. Until he’d started dating Rose.

With barely the sound of a click, she closed the door and turned, hands tight on the knob as she stared at him with those soft, gray eyes that always reminded him of a deer about to bolt.

His jaw set. To the devil with the deer—he wanted to bolt, but the shy, hopeful look in her eyes had him by the throat, a talent that Emma Malloy seemed to master without even trying. He blew out his frustration on a wave of noisy air. “You’ve got thirty minutes, Malloy, but I’m gonna warn you right now—Fred Astaire I’m not.”

Her lips curved into that innocent way that always melted his heart, and he found himself relenting—as usual—with a reluctant smile. He lumbered to his feet with a groan. “Okay, Ginger, let’s put your foot where your mouth is.”

“I promise this will be fun,” she said in a rush, hurrying to the cherry-wood buffet against the wall where an RCA Victor phonograph stood ready and waiting. His mouth went flat. Further evidence of her plot to goad him into making Rose happy. He shook his head and watched her while she turned the phonograph on, lifting the needle carefully into place with a scratchy sound before it glided into the record’s groove. The mellow sounds of Duke Ellington’s Three Little Words suddenly floated through the air and oddly enough, his muscles begin to relax. He closed his eyes to enjoy the magic of one of his favorite songs, by an artist Emma knew he loved.

I know what you’re doing, I see it all too clear …

He inhaled deeply, and all of his resistance fled, because he knew exactly what Emma was doing and why. Her mission in life seemed to be to make those she loved happy, and for whatever reason, Emma desperately wanted to see him happy, to make a go of it with Rose, to walk down that aisle into a life she believed would bring him much joy. The air in his lungs released in a slow, tranquil sigh at the gift of Emma in his life. He had never felt this close to a friend, much less a woman, and he marveled at the fact that when he was with her, contentment seemed to purl through his body as languidly as the Duke’s music now oozed through his mind.

His eyelids opened, and there she stood, arms outstretched and an impish grin on her face. “I knew the Duke would work his magic,” she said, taking his left hand in hers and clasping it at eye level. “Which I must admit, has me feeling a wee bit like Charity.” With a chew of her lip, she placed his right hand on her shoulder blade and rested her arm on his. “Now relax, because you’ll find the foxtrot to be a smooth, easy dance very similar to the waltz.”

His lips quirked. “Oh, that helps, since I know how to waltz too.”

She lifted her chin, apparently striving to be professional, but the twitch of her lips gave her dead away. “First, left foot forward, one-two, then right foot forward, three-four …”

Without a word, he followed her effortlessly, as if he had Astaire blood in his veins. It should have felt strange, holding her this way, but somehow it didn’t and Sean wondered why. Maybe because he was from an affectionate family that hugged all the time, he reasoned, so naturally closeness and hugs had already become a part of their friendship.

“Left foot to the side, five-six …” she said, gaze intent on their feet.

Their proximity allowed him to study her close up … the way one side of her mouth tilted when she scraped her teeth against her lip, like now, indicating she was focusing hard on the lesson. For the first time he noticed an almost invisible sprinkling of tiny freckles across her nose, subtle and shy like Emma herself. He caught a faint whiff of the perfume Charity had given her—Shalimar—with its hint of lemon and vanilla, and he breathed it in, the scent teasing his senses with the same innocence and beauty of the women he held in his arms.

“Then left foot forward, one-two …” She glanced up with a smile. “Good … good, you’ve got it, now. Then turn your right foot one-quarter angle, three-four …”

He wasn’t surprised that he picked it up quickly—athletics had always come easily for him, and apparently dancing was no different, but to say he was shocked he enjoyed it was an understatement. The music seemed to flow in his limbs and in no time, he was whirling her in his arms, hand firm against her back as he drew her close with confident ease. He gave her a crooked smile. “Look out, Fred Astaire!”

A breathless giggle escaped her lips as the music stopped, and she put a hand to her chest. “Goodness, you’re a natural, although I should have expected that with your affinity for sports.” She dashed back to the phonograph to reset the needle, shooting a grin over her shoulder. “Once more, and you’ll be giving me lessons, I promise.” She returned, clasping his hand once again.

Maybe it was the door being closed … or Emma near breathless … or even the velvet voice of the Duke that created an intimacy he found he rather enjoyed. He smiled, his voice husky with affection.  “So, Mrs. Malloy, tell me how you’ve become so light on your feet—have you been frequenting the dance marathons at Revere Beach?”

The pink of her cheeks deepened as she cocked a brow. “Why, yes, Mr. O’Connor, I find it a great release for the little energy I have left after 12-hour days, six days a week.”

He laughed and tightened his hold for a spin. “Then it’s a wonder we haven’t bumped into each other, because heaven knows that’s how I spend my spare time.”

Her eyes warmed with approval. “This will make Rose very happy,” she whispered.

His chest expanded as he studied her with a wry smile, reveling in her praise. “I know, but isn’t it about time you start thinking about my happiness? Dancing and marriage—two things that give me indigestion, and yet you seem intent on prodding me into both.”

It was her turn to laugh, the gray of her eyes sparkling like polished silver. “I am thinking of your happiness, bound and determined that your fears will not keep you from all God has.”

The music stopped, but he retained his hold, assessing her through pensive eyes. He nudged a finger to her chin and smiled. “So that’s how you spend your free time, then—as a guardian angel to the people you love?” His thumb grazed the curve of her jaw, marveling at its silky touch. “Tell me, Mrs. Malloy, just how did I rate you as a friend?”

“Why, as a favor to Charity, of course,” she said with wink, the action so uncharacteristic that it made him laugh outright. “She asked me to keep an eye out for her big brother because … well, apparently he has a few flaws …”

“Flaws?” He released her with a cross of his arms, eyes in a squint. “Such as?”

She scrunched her nose. “Well, she says you’re a late bloomer for one …”

“Late bloomer,” he repeated, head cocked. “And what exactly does that mean?”

She peeked up, lips curved in a tease. “Oh, you know, a mature man on the outside, but inside, nothing more than a little boy who refuses to grow up and fall in love.” She nibbled on her lip as if to suppress a grin. “Which, Charity claims, is simply because you’re a little …” There was no mistaking the sass in her eyes now. “… dense.’”

His jaw dropped, along with his arms. “I’ll show you dense.” He tickled her, the plane of his hand to the side of her neck, causing her to squeal and tuck her head in a knee-jerk reaction.

“I didn’t mean it, I promise,” she shrieked with a giggle, twisting to escape.

Laughing, he pinned her arms to her sides, eyes narrowed in a mock glare. “Say it, Emma—Sean O’Connor is not dense; he’s one of the most brilliant men I know.”

Cheeks flushed with fun, she masked her humor with a serious sweep of lashes followed by a show of humility that softened the gray of her eyes. “Sean O’Connor is not dense,” she repeated slowly. “He’s one of the most …” She gave him an innocent blink. “brilliant men I know.” A grin broke free as she plucked the half-eaten Cherry Mash out of his pocket and lurched away. “Except at chess!” she shouted, her giggles bouncing off the walls as she skittered for protection on the other side of the room. She faced him at the window, chest heaving and palms braced on the ledge, the candy bar smashed in her hand. Behind her, a tangerine moon rose ripe in a starry sky, its hazy glow encircling her like a halo despite the devil in her eyes.

The thrill of the hunt broadened his grin as he took his time, gait slow and easy as he rounded her desk, his gaze hungry as it locked on hers. “Give it back, Mrs. Malloy,” he whispered, feeling the adrenalin of horseplay that pumped in his veins.

“No!” she cried, more giggles bubbling over. She jerked her chair to block his way, then eased around the desk waving the Cherry Mash like a taunt, her impish smile reminding him of Gabe. “Not until you learn the lindy and promise to leave the candy at home when you go to this wedding. You may be a late bloomer, but at least you won’t smell like a little boy.”

That did it. Slamming the chair in, he lunged, surprising her with a firm clasp of her arm. He dove for the Cherry Mash, but she fought him with shrieks of wild laughter, the candy bar clutched tightly behind her back. He reeled her in and grinned, challenge coursing his veins as he gripped her to his chest. “Give it up, Emma,” he breathed, “you won’t win.” Locking her with one arm, his other circled her waist while his hand wrestled with hers to recapture the candy.

Her body stilled … and in a catch of his breath, everything changed. One moment she was laughing, and in the next, her laughter faded away, leaving her lips parted with shallow breaths while gentle eyes slowly spanned wide. The effect totally disarmed him, causing his heart to thud to a stop. Silence pounded in his ears as he became aware of her body pressed to his, her warmth, her scent engaging his pulse to a degree that jolted him. He swallowed hard, feeling the rise and fall of her chest, the burn of her hand embedded in his, and a flash of heat traveled his body until it scorched in his cheeks. He flinched away. “Emma, I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to manhandle you.” He stepped back and plunged his hands in his pockets, desperate to deflect the embarrassment he felt. His smile was awkward. “Keep the candy then, I have more in my bottom drawer.”

 WOOHOOO!!!! Nobody does it like Julie! Wow, Jules that is a FANTASTIC sneak peek into Sean & Emma’s story. The hint of it in A Hope Undaunted was enough to whet my appetite. I can’t WAIT to find out how this all turns out. I really like Sean & Emma – Emma seems like such a sweetie. A tease, but a sweetie all the same. Now…er… how long do we have to wait for this one?

THANKS SO MUCH for being my guest today, Jules.

Inspirational Moment:

Lamentations 3:30-31

When life is heavy and hard to take,
   go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions:
   Wait for hope to appear.
Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face.
   The “worst” is never the worst.

 31-33Why? Because the Master won’t ever
   walk out and fail to return.
If he works severely, he also works tenderly. 
   His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.

Is life hard? Do you ever question ‘why’?

Remember, there is no difficulty, brokeness, pain, or distress that is too big for the Infinite God.

But he is not only God – He is also Father. And these ‘stockpiles of loyal love’ are yours and mine. His kids’.

Dance among the piles. Revel in their comfort. Know that they are endless and free.

66 Comments

  1. patti

    Love this girl as well!

    In fact, I love BOTH of y’all!!

    Had SUCH a blast withi her latest…and greatest…and CANNOT WAIT to post about it!

    Patti

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      PATTI!!! Sooooo good to see you here, my friend, and HOW I wish I was going to see you tomorrow at the Swansea, Illinois book signing, you little brat!! BUT … I suppose your hubby is more important … 🙂 By the way, just started reading your Rhythm of Secrets and LOVE IT!!! No surprise at that, though — just last night I told my husband you are a “brilliant writer.” Thanks for coming by!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  2. pepperbasham

    Okay, Jules – The blog is complete. Patti and I have posted. Who else do you need? 🙂

    Well, sigh…maybe Sherrinda and Casey.
    Or Wendy
    or Sarah
    – wait, don’t you have like 10,000 people who love you? or more?

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      PEPPER!!! Aw, you went and did it — said some incredibly nice things about me and now I have no choice but to offer a giveaway!! I don’t have anymore contest copies of A Hope Undaunted left, but I do have a few of my personal author copies, one of which I’m willing to part with, so let the giveaway begin!!

      And, sweetie, boy did I need that inspirational moment today!!! I am working on my editor’s revisions for A Heart Revealed right now, and it ain’t pretty, trust me!! But I will definitely do what you so wisely recommend — “dance among the piles”!! 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  3. Barb Shelton

    Look who I found here at Pepper’s blog! God must have led me here, because this is my first visit to Pepper’s blog. I was hoping for a giveaway on this new book, but alas..no luck there yet. I haven’t had much luck winning “A Hope Undaunted,” I thought at least I could get a fresh start. WOW! This book is fantastic. How you can write, young lady. I love what you are doing, Julie…don’t stop. Wanna make a deal, Julie? If I win “Hope Undaunted,” I promise I will write a fantastic review for it and post it wherever and as often as you like. Well, I’m trying! Just wanted to let you know that I think I’ve become a stalker. I wonder who I’m stalking?

    In Christ’s Love,
    Barb Shelton

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      BARB … you little sweetheart you, “stalk away”!! Actually, it’s partly because of your pitbull tenacity that I want to make this post a giveaway, because if anybody deserves to win, my friend — it’s you!! Good luck, and thank you for your very kind words — balm to my soul as I wade through shoulder-high revisions!! 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  4. Renee Ann Smith

    What a lovely scene! I’m one of those old-fashioned readers who loves the best friends realizing there’s something more between them stories–especially involving a shy, overlooked girl. Sean and Emma made my heart sigh!

    I’m a little behind the rest. I just received A Hope Undaunted recently. It’s such a temptation, I had to hide my book so I wouldn’t pick it up until it won’t stop me from preparing my lesson plans and doing that other bothersome life stuff! . . . Hopefully, I’ll remember where it is . . .

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Oh, RENEE ANN — honey, you sound like me and … uh, that’s not necessarily a compliment!! I forget where I put things ALL THE TIME … but I’m a wee bit older than you, so I that’s to be expected. But I am thrilled that you have AHU already and I hope when you finally get to it that it’s worth the wait … 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  5. Melanie Dickerson

    Girls, this is great! Can’t wait to read it, Julie!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      MEL!!! Forgive me for not posting a review on The Healer’s Apprentice, but I plan to soon once I get these revisions done and gone, I promise. LOVED the book, and LOVE your style, my friend!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
      • Melanie Dickerson

        Thank you, Julie! You know what Michelle Sutton said? She said my book was up there with Julie Lessman and Francine Rivers! What a compliment!
        I can’t believe I haven’t read A Hope Undaunted yet, but this has whet my appetite for it and I can’t wait to dig in! Love ya!

        Reply
  6. pepperbasham

    Jules,
    I picked that particular set of verses FOR YOU!!! Right now!
    His love helps us to dance – even in the hard times.

    PTL

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      PEPPER … I should have know, my friend, that you would do something that sweet!! THANK YOU!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  7. Janet

    I loved your blog with Julie! I recently “cyber-met” Julie and she is such an awesome lady! I would love to win this book, PLEASE!!! lol
    smiles & blessings,
    Janet

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      JANET!!! Well, goodness, anybody that thinks I’m an “awesome lady” deserves to win a book, don’t you think??? Thank you for your kind comment, my friend and good luck in the contest.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
    • pepperbasham

      Janet,
      Julie is a super-gal. AND the best part is that she’s just the same in person. No pretense.

      Reply
  8. Deborah Leathers

    Julie is such an incredible writer! I only have been able to get the first two books in the series, but I am looking forward to getting the others soon. I can’t wait to read the whole book, these clips were quite the teaser!
    Thanks so much!
    Deborah

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      DEBORAH … Thank you SO much for your kind words and, girl, it definitely looks like we need to get you a full set, so here’s to a win!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  9. Diana Flowers

    I’m not sure if I’m commenting at the right spot for AHU giveaway. Love your books,Julie,and the way that I’ve followed you around should prove that! lol dianalflowers@aol.com

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      DIANA … Yes, you are at the right spot for AHU giveaway, but did you know that you just won a signed book from me over at AJ Hawkes’s blog???? All that “cyber-stalking” paid off, girl, just like I knew it would! Congrats!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  10. Myra Johnson

    Ooooh, Julie! I can’t wait to read Emma’s story! I love the way you weave character threads through each book, increasing the anticipation for when they’ll get to tell their own story in an upcoming novel.

    And Pepper, I LOVE this translation of the Lamentations verse! So right on! “His stockpiles of loyal love are immense”–WOW!!!!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      MYRA!!! SOOOO great to see you here, girl, and THANK YOU!! I do try to set characters up for their own books, just like Mary is famous for too!! Hugs, Julie

      Reply
    • pepperbasham

      Myra,
      Hidee!!!!!
      I know, isn’t that incredibly encouraging. Whew – who doesn’t need to read that?!?

      Reply
  11. Sarah Forgrave

    Another breathtaking scene by Julie! I’m still determined to win A Hope Undaunted, but if it doesn’t happen this time, I’ll be hopping over to Amazon to buy it…can’t wait to read it any longer. 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      SARAH!!! I have a handful of giveaways left on my website calendar, so CHECK THEM OUT, girl, because we can’t have you buying this book if you can win it, right??? Thanks for coming by AND for your sweet comment.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  12. CarolM

    SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

    And I was at my local bookstore today and saw Julie fic and and to take a picture because hey – I’ve communicated with her personally! Several times!

    I’m so all over the Julie blogs in hopes that I’ll win something because I had to take the library’s copies back.l I CANNOT wait to dig into these. Am praying for time sometimes soon.

    I’m already in love with Emma and Sean! Rose can find someone else ;).

    carol at carolmoncado dot com

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      CAROL … grin … you make me smile, girl, you know that?? And trust me, Rose will not let go so easily … 🙂

      You gotta win one of these days, Carol, so hang in there, girl. In the meantime, put those library books on hold!! 🙂 Thanks for coming by, sweetie.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  13. Kayla Hughes

    OH WOW! Julie now I suppppppeeeeerrrrrrr Excited about A Heart Revealed!!!!!!!!! I’m going to be like will the day every get here for it to come out (by the way I think I seen it somewhere but I don’t remember where, When does it come out)! I know you already know, but I just LOVE your books!!!!! I have never been excited about any other books and never watch for when they come out so I can go and buy them! Giving away an authors copy that’s so cool! I hope I win! Hope your having a wonderful Friday! God Bless and Good Luck!

    Your Friend and Fan- Kayla

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Aw, KAYLA, you are such a sweetheart — THANK YOU!! A Heart Revealed doesn’t come out till next September (2011) unfortunately, but I hope it will be worth the wait. Although, given all the revisions I am having to make on it, I’m not all that sure!!! :/

      I hope you’re having a wonderful Friday too, my friend.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  14. Phyllis Schneider

    I really enjoyed Julie’s excerpt. And it’s nice to meet you, Pepper. I agree with Myra–great translation of Lamentations. Such affirming words for His children.

    Reply
    • pepperbasham

      Stopping in from a late lunch break!
      Hi Phyllis, so glad to have you visit. And who’d have thought such an encouraging set of verses could come from a book called Lamentations 🙂
      God is cool!

      Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      PHYLLIS … thank you SO much, and I totally agree with you and Myra … Pepper always seems to have very “affirming” devotionals on her blog, which really sets her apart … uh, that and her cute and quirky self! 🙂

      Good luck in the contest, Phyllis.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  15. Carolynn

    Don’t enter me in the contest as I already have the book. I just want to say WOW, Julie! The except is wonderful!! I wish I could read the entire book right now. It sounds so good! Thanks for sharing with us!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Thanks, CAROLYNN … it is one of my favorite scenes in the book because Sean and Emma are just so cute together in it, whereas in all the prior scenes they are just good friends who are slowly growing into more. 🙂

      Thanks for taking the time to come by, my friend. Have a great weekend!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  16. Julia

    Julie and Pepper….both two people I am SO happy to have met online….Julie, as you come to mind I’m keeping both you and Aunt Julie in prayer. I want to tell you again that Journal Jots are so Spirit-breathed. Every post I read I can see God’s heart through.

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      JULIA … I cannot express how much I appreciate your prayers for Aunt Julie. She is doing well in her new place, and I am feeling so much better about things, which I know is totally due to prayer! And my Journal Jots are “Spirit-breathed”??? Well now, you just brought tears to my eyes, my friend, because I hope and and I pray that the words of my mouth and my pen always glorify God and His Holy Spirit, so that means more than I can say. And I gotta tell you, Julia, I am thrilled to have met you online, my friend!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  17. Diana Flowers

    I’M AWARE NOW AND SUPER EXCITED…THANKS JULIE!!! I just wanted to ask you to delete my comments from here to give someone else a better chance to win. I almost gave up…don’t give up,Barb!

    Reply
  18. Julie Lessman

    DIANA … Good things come to those who wait, my friend, and you (and Barb!!) have waited a long, long time.

    And, Barb, I agree with Diana … your time is coming, my friend. 🙂

    Hugs,
    Julie

    Reply
  19. Rel Mollet

    Loved it, Julie 🙂

    Thanks to you and Pepper for making us even more impatient for Sean and Emma’s story!

    Hugs xo

    Reply
  20. Renee (SteelerGirl83)

    Pepper I agree Julie is the best! I think she is THE author that all author’s should be like. She’s so friendly and helpful. 🙂

    And HOLY COW!!!! I wish I had a dance partner like Sean. Hubba Hubba! I can’t wait to read the rest…IN SEPTEMBER 🙁

    XOXO~ Renee

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      RENEE … you make me SMILE ALL THE TIME, girl!! 🙂 Thank you for being such an incredible support, my friend, truly. And I have to admit, I had trouble getting in to Sean at first, but after writing this book, I LOVE him. I hope you will too!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  21. Sherrinda

    Oh my….that was a breathtaking scene! Julie is a master at romance, isn’t she? At the end of the scene, I was all tensed up and holding my breath! Whew!

    I’d love to be in the drawing! What is funny is, I thought I had won the book on a blog. I never got it, so I looked in my emails, but didn’t find any saying I won. Sooo….I must have either dreamed it or better yet….maybe I’m a little prophetic. 🙂 lol…J/K

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      SHERRINDA … Were you really?? Tense, that is?? Because that is definitely what I was going for and I am SO glad I could get you to hold your breath — VERY cool!! 🙂

      Gosh, girl, I do not remember seeing your name, and I really would have remembered because I talk about you ALL the time, about how you won five (it was 5, right??) books from me in a like a span of three months. 🙂 Talk about “breaking the bank”!!

      Well, let’s hope you are “prophetic,” because there is nothing I would like more than sending you another book, sweetie.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
      • Sherrinda

        Oh Julie!!!! Yes! I was most indeed tense and holding my breath. That is like my favorite response when I read. The build up to the “kiss” or better yet the “almost kiss” is my favorite thing in the world. Sigh….and you do it so incredibly well.

        And Julie, maybe I was just redreaming about one of the OTHER books I won! Seriously…I do believe I’m at my limit. 🙂 I’ve got a Kindle now, but I want all your books in the real hold-in-your-hands format….with the gorgeous covers! Yours are always on the top of my to-buy list, Christmas list, birthday list, hhmmm…what other lists can they be on!?!

        Reply
  22. Charlotte

    Another chance to win Julie’s book! SUPER!

    Julie,
    You’re winding down on your blogs visits, right?
    I’ve LOVED every one of them and have been so pleased that you make comments to everyone! You are so special to do this!
    We are all so anxious for you to write as many books as you possibly can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Bless you so much, dear!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Aw, CHARLOTTE, you always touch my heart, every single time you comment. AND, you are wearing me down on the Civil War book idea, too, so keep the prayers going in that direction, okay?

      And, yes, I am winding down on the interview/giveaways because I am SO behind on Steven’s story, especially with all these major edits on A Heart Revealed, so I need to get cracking and focus ALL my energy on A Trust Restored (working title). Say a prayer I get it done soon, okay, because I would like to crank on another 3-book deal in order to get more books out to you guys more quickly, okay?

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  23. Barb Shelton

    How is everyone today. Ready for the weekend? I’d love to have a good Julie Lessman book to read over the weekend. Thank you Julie and Diane for your sweet comments. I’m not giving up. That’s why I’m checking in today. As long as I’m still breathing, I have great chances to be blessed by God.

    Blessings to All,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      BARB … got a strong feeling you’re WAY overdue on a win, girl, so it’s coming … mark my words!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  24. Cindy R. Wilson

    What a scene! Thanks Pepper, for hosting Julie, and thanks Julie for stopping by so we can all get swept away by your amazing writing.

    I have heard only wonderful things about A Hope Undaunted, therefore I’ve been pursuing a copy all over the internet 🙂 I will definitely put this one on my Christmas list.

    Reply
  25. Julie Lessman

    Thanks, CINDY, I am SO glad you’ve heard good things about AHU. Of course, not everybody likes it, which is to be expected, but I gotta tell ya — it’s my favorite of all my books so far, so hopefully you will think so too. Good luck in the contest, girl!

    Hugs,
    Julie

    Reply
  26. Pepper

    Jules,
    What pictures do you have in mind for your characters of Sean and Emma? You usually have some sort of look-alike photo in mind. Do you have one with these?

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Hey Pep,

      I do have a picture of Sean in mind kind of, but it’s a muscled guy with his shirt off, so not sure how that would go over … 🙂 As far as Emma, I actually see her looking a lot like the model for Lizzie on the front of A Passion Denied … sweet, soft, with kind of an ethereal beauty, somebody like Emmy Rossum from Phantom of the Opera — delicate and innocent.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Thanks, CARLA!! I appreciate you coming by and good luck in the contest!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  27. Patsy

    Count me in on the giveaway of A Hope Undaunted. I’ve heard great reviews on it. Thanks for giving away a copy. Looking forward to reading it.

    Reply
  28. Julie Lessman

    PATSY … SO glad you have heard good things about AHU, my friend — I have to admit, I have been blessed by most of the reviews, so I hope you will enjoy it too. Good luck in the contest!

    Hugs,
    Julie

    Reply
  29. Michelle T.

    WOW, Julie!! Thanks so much for that sneak peek!! I agree 100% with Sherrinda — absolutely breathtaking! You certainly are a master of your craft!

    Please know that I am keeping you close in thought and prayer as you work through your revisions. You’ve got what it takes, girl!

    No need to enter me in the contest, since I’ve already won a copy.

    You’re such a blessing, Julie, and I’m so honored to call you my friend. (((HUGS)))

    Love,
    Michelle

    Reply
  30. Julie Lessman

    Gosh, MICHELLE, I tear up so darn easily, it’s downright embarrassing!! Thanks for your incredibly sweet note to me — you always manage to bless the socks off of me just by being who you are. And right back at ya, girl — I’m honored to call you my friend as well.

    Hugs and more hugs,
    Julie

    Reply
    • Michelle T.

      Aww, Julie, you’re the sweetest gal! (((BIG HUGS))) to you! I just love you to pieces!

      Reply
  31. Barb Shelton

    Julie, I wish a Christian movie company would pick up your Boston series and make a movie about these stories. Whoo Hoo……we’d have another Janet Oke in the author/movie ring. Then we could all say..”We knew her when….” I know you now…and that makes me happy. Glad there is another chance to win your book. I hope I win.

    Blessings,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

    Reply
  32. Julie Lessman

    BARB … honey, I hope you win too, trust me!! At this point, NOBODY deserves it more than you, I don’t think!!

    And, oh boy, wouldn’t that be fun … a mini-series about the O’Connors??? But REALLLLY hard to cast, you know???

    Good luck, sweetie!

    Hugs,
    Julie

    Reply
  33. Diana Flowers

    Barb,I want you to win so bad I feel like going to the store,buying you a copy,and signing it myself!! (big smile) I know…wouldn’t be the same…sigh. Am praying,though!

    Reply
  34. Lady DragonKeeper

    @ Renee Ann – OMGoodness, I totally agree . . . I love the “good friends who realize they’re becoming more than friends” storyline . . . I don’t care how much it’s re-used as long as it’s good . . . LIKE THIS EXCERPT!!! Gosh, I was debating whether to read it or not, ’cause I’ve only read the first book, but I’m glad I did! =D Haha, I like the line about Charity saying Sean was outwardly grown up and mature but like a little boy inside. I was wondering why all the sisters are (probably, since they’re the main characters of the first four books) getting married before Sean (Isn’t he the oldest? Or third oldest at least . . . ) =D Wow, I really want to read this one (once I read the others . . . ) Amazing excerpt, Mrs. Lessman . . .

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

    *Goes off to read the excerpt again* =D

    Reply
  35. Breanna

    Julie, A Heart Revealed sounds amazing! Great sneak peek! I feel like you’re torturing me showing me that, and I can’t read the book until later 🙂 Please put me in the contest-thanks!

    bberry96@aol.com

    Reply
  36. sherry Floyd

    I just can’t live without your book Julie!!No one writes a better love story.Love ya girl!

    Reply
  37. Casey

    Oh if only I had shown up sooner to join the party. Alas, time always has a way of slipping through my fingers. Julie!! I KNEW I shouldn’t have read this a year in advance. You just keep getting better and better and worse and WORSE about leaving your readers in suspense and DESPERATE for more!! And I don’t even have a husband. 🙁 Sigh.

    BUT WOW, great excerpt, love, love love it!!! 😀

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet Pepper

Subscribe to Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This