A Week Review With Julie Lessman (Giveaway)

by | May 8, 2011 | Fiction Book Reviews | 82 comments

If you like to read about passion braided with faith and romantic tension, I have the author for you. Julie Lessman! I’d never read any of her novels, until I agreed to review her second book, A Passion Redeemed. Julie hates it when I mention that I read her series out of order, but let me just say I enjoyed it anway. Needless to say, I read the first book – THIRD! (I can just see Julie cringing)

Anyway, this week we’re celebrating Julie Lessman’s books – because a BRAND NEW ONE is coming out in the fall. Her fifth book, A Heart Revealed. In celebration of this week of reviews, Julie has graciously offered to give away one book (of the reader’s choice)to a lucky commenter. All you have to do is leave a comment about a particular character you enjoyed reading about during the book for that day (except Friday – which will be a ‘glance’ at book number FIVE).

Today let’s take a look at Julie’s AWARD WINNING DEBUT NOVEL – A Passion Most Pure

Introducing a reader to the O’Connor family is one thing. Leaving the reader on a page with Collin McGuire is definitely another. Whew… move over, Faith.

Faith O’Connor’s always had a flicker of attraction for Collin McGuire – wait, did I write ‘flicker”. Hmm… that was a bit understated.

Anyway, Faith has tried to stifle the attraction because Collin isn’t a believer, and Faith wants to wait for the man God has for her. Unfortunatley, making her heart believe that fact is very different – especially when her younger sister, Charity, has set her sights on marrying Collin. The novel weaves together the essence of a large family trying to work through the trials of their own humanity, the struggles of a world at war, and the constant battle we all possess between the passions of our flesh and the passions of our spirits.

As Collin realizes the beautiful woman, both inside and out, that Faith is – his begins to examine his own motives at the core. His respect for Faith – and her family- and the contrast of Faith’s behavior to her little sister, Charity’s, tosses him into a crisis of the heart and of truth. Will the family be torn to shreds by unbridled passions or will infatuation with the only One who can tame the heart and unleash the soul bring healing to all?

It’s a story as intense with the love of Christ as it is with the attraction of Collin and Faith. The reader feels the struggles and pain. I struggled with Faith, as she prayed to choose God’s way, but ached to be with Collin. Collin’s spiritual transformation, his growth is gradual and beautiful – but painful too. It was an amazing journey.

Oh Julie, btw, everytime I see Flynn Rider/Eugene Fitzherbert from the new Disney movie, Tangled, I think of Collin 🙂 (To read my post about the plot structure of Tangled, visit The Writers Alley today)

Learn more about Julie’s books at www.julielessman.com

And don’t forget to leave a comment to be in the drawing. Who was your favorite character in APMP? Why?

82 Comments

  1. Carol M

    I think I’ve gotta go with Faith on this one. I’m guessing it’s gonna be the heroine in each book ;). I’m kind of glad I’ve got a moratorium on new books until August [most likely :p] because maybe I can get caught up on my TBR pile and revisit Julie’s.

    <3 both you ladies!

    Reply
    • Pepper

      Carol!!!
      Hidee. I keep Julie’s books on my ‘inspiration’ shelf when I’m getting write a particularly ‘hot’ scene. I always seem to find the inspiration I need 🙂

      Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Hey, PEP, I JUST finished my fourth last scene in Steven’s story and getting ready to start the third!! I am ALWAYS like a zombie at this point, eyes glazed and fingers flying, but it’s finally coming together. The hardest scene to write will be the last — an epilogue which will wrap up the saga of the O’Connors where I finally say goodbye. Sniff. 🙁

      CAROL … I always “revisit” my books before the next one comes out. Cannot WAIT to get back in to APMP and right down the line till I get to A Heart Revealed. And, CM, you’d be wrong if you guess the heroine, I think. My heroes are actually my favorites and I get a lot of reader friends who tell me the same. The order of popularity seems to be: Collin, Luke, Mitch, Brady and Patrick. My favs are Mitch and Luke. Sigh.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  2. Katey

    I absolutely loved reading about Faith. I just went and requested it from the library again to reread it. 🙂

    Reply
    • Pepper

      Katey,
      Julie’s gonna LOVE reading about all the people who like to RE-enjoy Faith and Collin’s story.
      Sigh.
      Definitely!

      Reply
      • Julie Lessman

        Hey, Katey, then you are going to LOVE the last book in the series, Steven’s story, because Faith is a mentor to the heroine, bringing the story full circle from book 1. 🙂

        Hugs,
        Julie

        Reply
  3. Kathryn Albright

    A Passion Most Pure is the first and only book I have read from Julie–so far. What a treat! I really liked Collin for my most favorite character.

    Reply
    • Pepper

      Kathryn,
      You’ll enjoy the other three books too. WONDERFUL stories – with passion and faith so wonderfully interwoven.
      Good luck in the drawing

      Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Hey, KATHRYN, the stories just keep getting more and more complicated and the characters deeper and deeper the more you read, so I hope you will continue. I absolutely LOVE book 2, A Passion Redeemed — it’s my favorite of the Daughters of Boston series. My all-time fav, however, is my latest book and book 1 of The Winds of Change series, A Hope Undaunted. You don’t know who Cluny Mcgee is because you haven’t read book 3 yet, but he grows up in book 4, and WHOA, BABY, what a guy!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  4. Linda

    Faith has always been my favorite in APMP, as she sought God for all her decisions, even if it meant the might not marry Collin. Her relationship with her Grandma was so touching.

    desertrose 5173 at gmail dot com

    Reply
    • Pepper

      Linda,
      Faith’s faith was beautiful – and Julie wrote it so well, the conflict, the desires. Fantastic!

      Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Hey, Linda, I’d have to say Faith and Charity are my picks for favorite heroines — Faith because she is my spiritual self, and Charity because she is me before Christ and she is just SUCH a hoot … especially in the next book, A Heart Revealed!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  5. Sherrinda

    Mmmmm, give me Collin. I love a bad boy who transforms. I do love Faith, but Collin is who does it for me. 🙂

    And pleeeease don’t enter me into the drawing. I am going to PURCHASE this book this time. (I have an uncanny knack for winning Julie’s books.) I love you, Julie!

    Reply
    • Pepper

      Sherrinda,
      Right there with you, girlfriend! (no surprise there)
      And I will NOT put you in the drawing (snicker) We’ll see what Julie says. 😉

      Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      SHERRINDA!!! You’re actually going to BUY my next book??? Oh, girl, hold off because I will be having TONS of giveaways come August and September, and with your luck, you’re good to go!! And I like bad boys, too, can you tell???

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  6. Leah

    I agree with Sherrinda on this one.
    Collin was my favorite in this book. Of course I loved Faith too, but Collin, Oh boy…

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      LEAH … I think a lot of you gals like Collin so much because he’s SO darn cute on the cover of the book — VERY sexy!! I don’t blame you, though, because I kept his model shot on my cube on work for MONTHS after I got it from Revell prior to the book coming out. He IS a cutie, that’s for sure. 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
      • Leah

        Julie that is so funny!!
        I know when I just got the book, I just glanced at the cover, but when you started to tell us how Collin looked I had to look at the cover again, and WOW!!;) He has dark rugged looks. Everything I love in a man!!:)

        Reply
  7. Susan Mason

    I have to jump on the bandwagon here! Collin was such a great character. At the beginning, he was so deliciously bad I couldn’t see how Julie was going to transform him – but she did it beautifully! He went kicking and screaming the whole way!

    I loved that he was so attracted to Faith, but didn’t want to be!

    Pepper, I use Julie’s books for inspiration, too!! Should we start a Julie fanclub? LOL.

    Have a super day.

    Sue
    sbmason at sympatico dot ca

    Reply
    • pepperbasham

      Susan,
      I’m TOTALLY for a Julie Fanclub!!! 🙂
      What a better lady, or a better writer to be a fan of, right?!?

      Reply
      • Julie Lessman

        SUE!!! “Deliciously bad” … oh, I LIKE that, girl!! And when a guy like that turns good, WHOA, BABY, look out!!

        Hugs,
        Julie

        Reply
  8. Angela

    I love the characters in all the books. They all had such character. They weren’t the usual John and Mary, they felt real. My two favorite books so far are Faith’s and Katie’s. And I think my favorite character would have to be Luke “Cluny” McGee.

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      YAY, ANGELA!!! Luke McGee is my favorite too, with a Mitch a VERY close second. Two totally different heroes, but look out — they are BOTH so very va-va-voom!! 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  9. Melissa Battles

    Oh, that is SUCH a hard choice! I have loved all of her books!! Colin is ONE of my favorites. I own all of her books and love to reread them.

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Thanks, MELISSA, that you like to reread my books. Collin is everybody’s favorite, I think, although I did get some pretty nasty reviews, one of which called him a “lust-driven creep,” which is probably true, but we are all fallible human beings in a lust-driven society, which just makes it ALL the better when God gets a hold of us, right???

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  10. rose mccauley

    While Faith would have to be my fave, I also love Marcy and Collin and Patrick. Love the whole family!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      ROSE … I love Marcy and Patrick too, naturally, because they are based on my husband and me and the type of marriage we have. I really consider them separate from the young couples because so few books depict a love like theirs which is really a shame since it IS attainable with God in the middle of a marriage.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  11. rose mccauley

    ps. I already have the second book, but would love to win the 3rd one in the Daughters of Boston series!

    Reply
  12. Ashley Bauman

    I totally love ur latest book but thats not that special because I absolulty LOVE all your books and cant wait to read the next one!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Hey, ASHELY, thanks SO much!! A Hope Undaunted is SO very special to me, I guess because I love the idea of sacrificial love and a man who would do that.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  13. Melissa (ForstRose)

    Hey Julie, Long time no talk. Just saw your post at ACFW Bookclub about Pepper’s giveaway. I’ve got all four books already. Of course looking forward to this fall’s release. Hate to wait but I’m so glad the O’Connor family rated more than just a trilogy or tetralogy (four book series). I’ll still miss them after Winds of Change is completed but look forward to whatever will come next. I suspect by then you’ll have something up your sleeve if not already in the works for all those loyal readers who’ve fallen in love with a now “veteran” author whose debut made a smashing entrance on the scene.

    My favorite characters in most cases are your heroines but there are two I’ve especially identified with. Faith is one of those two. As for the second, everybody will just have to wait till Pepper gets to her book to find out which one.

    Looking forward to the peek at Heart Revealed on Fri. and of course the book release itself.

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      MELISSA!!! Hey, girl, SOOO good to hear from you! Hope all is well in your world. And I already know the other character you like other than Faith because you relate to her the most, right? And I WANTED The Daughters of Boston to be a “tetralogy” (didn’t even know that was a word!!), but my publisher only does trilogies, so I was thrilled when they said I could do a 2nd trilogy about the O’Connors. I think the “sneak peek” you are referring to for A Heart Revealed happened last week on my Journal Jot for Friday, May 6 on my website, but you can find a number of excerpts from AHR throughout the Journal Jots for the last few months. Take care, my friend.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
      • Melissa (ForstRose)

        Pepper says in this post that she is reviewing one book a day from APMP through Hope Undaunted and then Fri featuring a “glance” at book FIVE. That is the sneak peek I was referring to. Oh and as for Tetralogy, my obsession with words got the better of me this morning. I knew trilogy but so many “series” are either three or four books now it seems that I decided there had to be proper terminology for a four book series that mirrored trilogy for three books. Needless to say between Google Search and wikipedia I found it very quickly. On the other hand I can get so caught up in rabbit trails like that one chasing after a certain word or other piece of information that it wastes a lot of time and often I lose the original purpose I was after before I ever accomplish it.

        Reply
      • Melissa (ForstRose)

        Yes I’ve probably already told you who the second heroine referred to above is but those who don’t already know have to wait I don’t want to spoil Pepper’s series by getting ahead of the game- LOL.

        Oh and I forgot to tell you I moved to California the end of January. I’m staying with my folks until I find a job and can get my own place or find roomies. Most of my books are still in storage but I might get to liberate those boxes in another month when Dad and I collect my things from Oregon and haul them down here. If not then the books will probably all come out sometime in the next few months when my living situation is more certain. But at least after June my stored things will be much closer and I’ll be able to go dig out things that are still packed if I want to.

        Reply
  14. Dawn Janis

    My favorite hero in the Daughters of Boston series is Mitch. I love Mitch because he’s down to earth and is a great compliment to Charity by loving her without expecting her to change. Plus he’s just awesome.

    I’d love to get the not yet released book if I should win.

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      All right, DAWN!!! Mitch is a HUGE fav of mine too. I love his gruff, no-nonsense nature and how he doesn’t let Charity push him around because God knows she tries!! Wait till you see their sub story in the next book, A Heart Revealed — I absolutely LOVE it, and I hope you do to. 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  15. Linnette

    Well, I’m way behind on my TBR pile! But! I LOVE Faith. What a gal! So true, so human. I love that she’s so faithful to God and yet human enough to make mistakes. Her heart is a mystery even to herself at times. Julie really shows how intricate the heart is, how deceitful it can be, how fickle and yet how it can be true and faithful and strong – all through Faith. Amazing! Great job, Jules! Please include me in the drawing!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Hey, LINNETTE — SO good to see you here, my friend!! Thank you for tweeting about Pepper’s blog too!! The thing I love about Faith is that she is SO in love with God but SO very human too … uh, just like us!! 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  16. Jennifer

    I really love Julie’s books!!! I really like Faith. I love the strength of her character, how she uses her faith to stand by her convictions even when she wanted to otherwise!
    Please enter me into the drawing, I would love to recieve a copy of Julie’s newest book!!!

    Thanks
    Jennifer

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Hi, JEN, thanks for coming by! Faith seems to be a top favorite of the characters, which is good since she is also the most spiritual. I tend to relate to the more “human” and “flawed” characters like Charity because I was SO there once and am forever grateful to God for turning me in to a “Faith.”

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  17. Bev Gluck

    Well maybe it speaks for my age, but Patrick and Marcy are my favorites! They are the core of this family and without a doubt have had some crosses to bear with this wonderful family that I have grown to love. Their love and faith is constant and unconditional with their children and those with whom they come in contact. Throughout their own trials, their love is constant (even when it sometimes seems to go off track).
    I am hoping that the hint Julie dropped about having a series about Patrick and Marcy prior to their marriage comes to pass. Can’t get enough of the O’Connors!!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      BEV!!! Hey, girl, I always LOVE seeing your name pop up!! And THANK YOU because I love Marcy and Patrick too, primarily because like I said above, their relationship is based my husband’s and mine, so I know it IS possible!! And, YES, YES, YES … one way or another, I WILL be writing Marcy and Patrick’s story as a prequel to the entire O’Connor saga … I’m just not sure when. 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  18. Del

    I loved all three of the books in the Daughters of Boston series but I have to say that Lizze was probably one of my favorite characters. She was sweet, but she fought for what she wanted. I find myself going back and re-reading A Passion Denied.

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      DEL … that’s interesting that you go back and reread Denied!! I have had SO many reader friends tell me that they relate to Lizzie that it actually surprises me. Although each of the heroines are borrowed from facets of my own personality (i.e. Faith is my spiritual self, Charity my self before Christ), Lizzie is my “dreamer” self who has always been enamored with romance. Trust me, I have SO much fun putting my personality into these people!! 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
      • Del

        It is fun putting little peices of yourself into the characters that you write about isn’t it? Writing is one of my passions. I hope to get my book published one day.

        Much Respect,
        Del

        Reply
  19. Alex Brown

    My favorite character is Faith! I love her deep devotion to God that has been a HUGE inspiration in my life mixed with her stubborn character (which I relate to!) and spunk (exhibited in her first meeting with Mitch). I love all of the characters (even learned to love Charity in the next book!), but Faith has a special place in my heart!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      ALEX!!! Hey, sweetie, how was your birthday??? And school is almost over now, right??? It’s no surprise to me that Faith is your fav because you strike me as a “Faith” type of gal with a deep love for God … which is only ONE of the many reasons I love you!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
      • Alex Brown

        Hey Julie!! Sorry I just saw this 🙂 and It was fantastic, thank you!! And yes, thank God!!! We officially have 3 weeks left of school, and the countdown has begun. Faith is definately one of the main role models in my life. A college councellor I have was telling me about topics for my college admissions essays. One prompt was a fictional character who inspires you. Faith was the immediate thought that came after 🙂

        Reply
  20. Julia

    I must admit Faith is my favorite, too. But I can’t wait to read Emma’s story since she is a favorite character of mine, too :).

    Congrats to you, Julie on your reader’s choice award!! You are definitely deserving as you put so much “heart” into your books.

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      JULIA … thanks SO much for the congrats — I was pretty blown away, but it couldn’t have come at a better time, when I’m negotiating my next contract, right??? And I have a STRONG feeling you are going to LOVE Emma’s story, Julia, because she is just SO amazing, she even calms ME down, and that’s saying something. 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  21. Julia

    Oh, I forgot to add please put me in the drawing…my books are making the rounds 🙂

    Reply
  22. Pam Kellogg

    It’s hard to pick just one favorite character. I admired Faith for knowing what she wanted (ultimately to obey God) even when her heart was falling for Collin when he was unsaved. Even when he was in his worst “bad boy” form, Julie made Collin pretty appealing. I also really liked Marcy because of her wisdom and faith. I just love Julie’s books and have read them all so far. I’m really looking forward to reading “A Heart Revealed” to continue the story of the O’Connor family. I’d love to win this book drawing! Thanks for the review and giveaway.

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      PAM!!! I hope you like A Heart Revealed as much as my hubby and crit partner — they say it’s my best so far, although I am still partial to A Hope Undaunted. Thanks for coming by Pepper’s blog, and good luck in the contest.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  23. pepperbasham

    Er…I never said Collin was my favorite, ya know. Of course, he’s my fav in APMP, but from ALL of the books – Luke is DEFINETLY #1. Heaven-help-me, he’s a swoon-worthy sort.
    Collin is too – and the whole bad guy thing is nice, but I just like knowing that Luke used to be Clooney. Love it! And everything else about Mr. McGee 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Oh, THANK GOD, PEPPER!!! I think Luke McGee is to die for, so I am SO glad you like him too. Wait till you see him and Katie interact in Emma’s story. Mary Connealy endorsed it and said it was a toss-up as to which story she enjoyed more — Katie and Luke’s or Sean and Emma’s!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
      • pepperbasham

        Oh goodie – more with Luke and Katie!!! Yipee!
        And Jules, it sounds like the trinity of Julie Lessman. Faith, Charity, and Lizzie – spirit, old self, dreamer-self 😉
        So what’s Katie – your sassy self? Oh wait, that would be Charity 😉

        Reply
  24. Heather

    It is so hard to pick just one favorite charachter!! I love all your books and admire them all. I really admire all the O’Connor women for their faith and trust in God, the strength of their character, and how they hold onto their faith and stand by their convictions. If this is open to Canadians please enter me. 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Hey Heather, YES, I send to Canada because I have SO many great Canadian reader friends that I would never NOT send to Canada. Trust me, I’m not in this for the money, which is a good thing because there isn’t any … 🙂 Thanks for coming by — I think each of the O’Connor women are varying shades of all of us. Some of us come soon and hard (like me at 23) and some of us a little later the hard way, like Charity.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  25. Marissa

    I’d have to say that Collin is definitely my favorite! And Luke comes in 2nd!!! But then I also love love love Brady!!! I love how Collin has so much passion for Faith. Even though he has a little bit of a temper problem, he is always their to keep her in line and is no doubt the man of the house! But, he still loves her and kisses her every time he sees her! They both struggle sometimes with their faith, but Faith always keeps Collin in line with that part of the relationship! <3 So dreamy!!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Hey, MARISSA — I know what you mean about Collin — he is SO romantic, always kissing on Faith no matter what and actually, believe it or not, that’s how my husband is too — VERY affectionate, which I love, of course. Uh, at least now. I remember when we were dating and he always had to hold my hand in the car — I thought that was unusual because I never got affection in my life as one of 13 kids, so I didn’t know how to handle it. I handle it just fine now … 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
      • Marissa

        Awe your husband sounds so sweet! (I forgot to come looking at this, sorry it’s late!) I don’t doubt that he will ever stop loving you and everything! I’m so glad that Collin is based off of him! Well, that part at least! lol Keep writing Julie! I love all the characters and pray for you for direction and for God to bless you! (P.S. Emma is one of my favorites so, I’m soooo very excited to read about her and Sean!!!) 🙂

        Reply
  26. Angi Griffis

    It’s so hard to pick a favorite. Each of Julie’s characters are fantastic in their own right. So here are a few of my favorites. Definitely Patrick and Marcy because they are the strength of the O’Conner family. Faith is my favorite heroine because of her strong faith. I also thought that Emma (even though she is a secondary character) had such a gentle spirit. In the hero catagory, I think Brady is a real sweetheart, and Luke comes in a close second. I would love to be entered in the drawing for one of Julie’s books. 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      ANGI!!! It’s fun to see your favorites, my friend. I agree about Marcy and Patrick being the strength of the family. I always see Marcy as the heart and Patrick as the strength … although they do take turns throughout the series in the strength department. You will LOVE the sub story on them in the next book, A Heart Revealed … oh, wait — I just remember my editor had me take that sub story from AHR and put in Steven’s story. Ooops. But I lead up to the “problem” in this book, anyway. 🙂

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  27. karenk

    HI Julie & Pepper,

    I must admit that I fell in love
    w/ all of the O’Connor women
    (and their spouses/menfolk, too!).

    Since I read A PASSION MOST PURE
    first…Faith will always have a special
    place in my heart.

    I am so looking forward to your
    next masterpiece!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Hey, KAREN, SO good to see you here, sweetie! Uh, “masterpiece”??? Not sure about that, but as you probably have already heard me say, it’s my hubby’s and my crit partner’s favorite, so hopefully you will like it to. 🙂 Good luck in the contest.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  28. Charity L.

    I have to say my favorite through them all has been Charity. I know, I know:) I am nuts! But I have always had a love for her. Maybe because she is my namesake. But I also loved Collin. Please enter me as I would love to read her newest book! Thanks!

    Reply
  29. Ann Lee Miller

    Faith is my favorite of all Julie’s heroines. I love how she sticks to her beliefs no matter what.

    Ann Lee Miller

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      Hey, ANN, you are definitely in the majority there because Faith is everyone’s fav, and I can see why — such a strength of character and faith, which is why Faith is a major part of the last book because she mentors the heroine who ends up becoming another “Faith” in Steven’s life. Who by the way, is eerily similar to Collin in this story … I thought it would be fun to come full circle, you know?

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Reply
  30. Tori Lynn

    My favorite character in APMP is Faith with Mitch being a close second. I love how Faith is so committed to God it effects everyone around her. And even though she has her struggles everyone can see how real her dedication is. Mitch is just so awesome in how he steps aside and lets Colin and Faith be together because he loves Faith. It’s just so sweet! And then in book two poor Mitch gets put through the wringer with Charity! Charity drove me crazy, I must say, but then again she is a perfect example of where we would be without Christ.
    ~Tori Lynn <3

    Reply
  31. tammy anderson

    I love all the characters but I have to say Marcy and Patrick are my favorites. After years of marraige it is still strong. Good and bad they are still finding thier way together. I love how not only the love but the passion is strong. Wonderful.
    I cannot wait to read your newest A Heart Revealed. ALong with all your others it will be kept on my bookcase to read over and over again.

    Tammy

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      HEY, TAMMY, THANK YOU SOOO MUCH, SWEETIE!! I MENTIONED UP ABOVE IN MY OTHER COMMENTS THAT MARCY & PATRICK’S MARRIAGE IS BASED ON MY HUSBAND’S AND MINE, SERIOUSLY. WE HAVE EXACTLY WHAT MARCY AND PATRICK HAVE. IN FACT, SO MUCH OF OUR LIFE APPEARS IN MY BOOKS THAT MY POOR HUBBY IS A NERVOUS WRECK WHILE READING THEM!!

      ONCE, WE HAD A FRIEND OVER FOR DINNER WHO WAS TELLING MY HUSBAND HOW MUCH SHE LOVED A PASSION MOST PURE, EXCEPT FOR THE SCENE IN THE BEDROOM BETWEEN MARCY AND PATRICK WHEN PATRICK COMES HOME FROM THE BAR. “I DON’T KNOW,” SHE SAID TO MY HUSBAND, “IT JUST SEEMED A LITTLE HARD TO BELIEVE.” “BELIEVE IT,” HE SAID TO HER, AND TRUST ME — HE’S SPEAKING FROM PAINFUL EXPERIENCE EXCEPT FOR THE BAR PART!! 😉

      HUGS,
      JULIE

      Reply
  32. Lori D

    My favorite character would have to be Mitch. I just love the scene where he meets Faith for the first time and how she gets the best of him. I was so glad when book two continued with his story. I’m a huge fan of the O’Connor family. Can’t wait to read the next story!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      YAY, LORI — I’M RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!! MITCH (AND LUKE) ARE MY TWO FAVORITE HEROES, AND MY EDITOR ACTUALLY GROUSES BECAUSE I PUT SO MUCH FEELING INTO MY INTERACTIONS BETWEEN CHARITY AND MITCH. DUH, OF COURSE I DO — I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE MITCH!! AND THE SCENE WHERE HE AND FAITH MEET? ONE OF MY FAVS TOO!!

      HUGS,
      JULIE

      Reply
  33. Rebekah

    I think I will have to go with Colin being my favorite in The Daughter of Boston series because he just gets better and better through out all of the books. Although, Cluny is the favorite in The Winds of Change series, but i think Im going to like Steven alot too….it might be a toss-up 🙂 Can’t wait for the next two!!!!

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      REBEKAH … IRONICALLY, STEVEN AND COLLIN ARE A LOT ALIKE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE STORIES, AS ARE FAITH AND THE NEW HEROINE, ANNIE KENNEDY (MAGGIE KENNEDY’S YOUNGER SISTER, STEVEN’S OLD GIRLFRIEND THAT PATRICK CAUGHT HIM ON THE COUCH WITH IN A HOPE UNDAUNTED), SO YES, I DO THINK YOU WILL LIKE STEVEN A LOT. OR AT LEAST I HOPE YOU DO!

      HUGS,
      JULIE

      Reply
  34. Tania

    I loved Faith!To have a self-control like that.. 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      UH, YEAH, TANIA … ESPECIALLY WITH A HUNK LIKE COLLIN!! 🙂 OF COURSE THIS IS FICTION, BUT EVEN SO, I’VE ACTUALLY PROVEN IT IN MY OWN LIFE BECAUSE FAITH IS BASICALLY ME WHEN I BECAME A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN AT THE AGE OF 23. SO, YES, IT IS POSSIBLE!! 🙂

      HUGS,
      JULIE

      Reply
  35. Marlyn

    After reading all of your books.. I would have to say that my favorite character is John Brady! His devotion to God is incredible and I love how he always makes people feel closer to Him and accept Him into their lives without being pushy. He was such a passionate and generous person. He had a way of making people feel so comfortable when he talked to them about God and he always made them feel better about themselves.. He did it so effortlessly!! I truly love him 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      HEY, MARLYN … YEAH, JOHN BRADY IS SOMETHING SPECIAL, I AGREE. MY VERSION OF BILLY GRAHAM WITH A DARK PAST!! I LOVED HIM FROM THE VERY FIRST BOOK WHEN HE WAS SO KIND AND PATIENT WITH COLLIN. BRADY’S AND COLLIN’S FRIENDSHIP/RELATIONSHIP IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THIS SERIES — I LOVE THE DEPTH OF LOYALTY AND LOVE BETWEEN THEM.

      THANKS FOR COMING BY AND GOOD LUCK IN THE CONTEST, MY FRIEND!

      HUGS,
      JULIE

      Reply
  36. Kristen

    I just finished up the series (out of order – normally I HATE reading series’ out of order, but I just couldn’t wait till I could get them in the right order). Anyway, I loved basically all the characters, but I gotta go with Faith as my absolute favorite. I love Charity later on, but at the beginning she’s kind of a brat, Beth/Lizzie is super sweet and insanely patient, and Katie was…also sort of bratty at first -still I loved them all(had to buy all the books cuz I know I’m gonna have to read them again soon). But Faith was the one I found myself identifying with the most, I think. The one who seemed the most…human, I guess. I mean she was pretty but not insanely gorgeous like Charity and patient, but not ready for sainthood like Lizzie and she knew what she wanted but wasn’t quite the stubborn mule Katie was. And I enjoyed reading her story the most.
    As far as the four girls go, Faith is my favorite, anyway. Everyone else…I have no idea. I love most of the characters and enjoyed reading about them all – something rare for me, I’m usually pretty focused on the one person.
    I do have to say, though I’m really looking forward to the next book, I can’t wait to read more from Emma and Sean 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie Lessman

      KRISTEN!!! GOSH, THANK YOU FOR BUYING ALL THE BOOKS A-F-T-E-R YOU READ THEM — THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES (FOUR, TO BE EXACT!! :)). AND I AM SORRY YOU READ THEM OUT OF ORDER BECAUSE BOOK DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE READ FIRST FOR THE OPTIMUM ENJOYMENT AND SURPRISE, BUT THAT’S NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE. I’M JUST GLAD YOU READ THEM AND LIKED THEM — THANK YOU!!!

      HUGS,
      JULIE

      Reply

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