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29 October 2015

Bonnie reviews Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman




Bonnie reviews Isle of Hope- by Julie Lessman
***** 5 stars

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

When 18-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 puts 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 ten books and two novellas in that genre, I feel Isle of Hope, her first Christian Contemporary Fiction, is her best work yet. I joyfully await book two of the series and the opportunity it will provide to reconnect with some beautiful, inspiring literary friends. 


GIVEAWAY: Our thanks to Julie Lessman for her generous provision of an eBook giveaway of 'Isle of Hope' to one blessed commenter from each of the two reviews of her book on OWG this week!  Answer this question: Do you primarily read historical romance or contemporary, and why?

83 comments:

  1. BONNIE, thank you for writing reviews with a spirit of excellence! JULIE, thank you for writing stories with passion that bring hope to those in dark places. My primary genre has been mystery/suspense. In the last year I have ventured into reading both historical and contemporary romance novels. I enjoy them both.

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    1. Caryl, you are dead on that Bonnie -- and ALL the OWG angels -- write reviews with a true "spirit of excellence."

      And I appreciate your kind words about "stories with passion that bring hope to those in dark places" because that is one of my primary goals in writing the way that I do. Passion helps us to feel, hopefully impacting us enough to usher in God's healing in our lives, so I like to use it liberally -- both spiritually and romantically.

      Thank you for venturing out of your true love of mystery/suspense to tackle both historical and contemporary romance novels, including mine -- I hope you encounter much joy and encouragement along the way.

      Hugs!!
      Julie

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    2. Caryl, thanks so much for your beautiful comments - also for your support of OWG and Christian Fiction, I so appreciate your online "shares" and reading your encouraging online comments. Julie's books ALWAYS "bring hope to those in dark places", just as she does personally. I love her passion for God and the fact she gives Him praise in all she speaks and does. I'm so glad you're now enjoying historical and contemporary romance novels - there are so many gifted and inspiring authors in those genres.

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  2. Beautiful review -- and I so love that this is faith-based fiction. I'm just about to start reading so no need to enter me in the draw. You've made me even more excited to read though -- I adore Julie Lessman books anyway, but now I'm even more hyped.

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    1. Kav -- thanks SO very much, my sweet friend, and I'm anxious to see what you think about IOH!

      Hugs and happy reading!
      Julie

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    2. Kav - I especially appreciate your sweet comments, I so love your beautiful reviews, and taking the time to stop by. Thank you!! You have immeasurable enjoyment and inspiration ahead - in your reading of 'Isle of Hope', God's love and forgiveness shines through in a mighty way!!

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  3. A beautiful review Bonnie! Ohh it seriously just makes me want to read Isle of Hope again!! And if I could make the world stop for just a bit, I would!! ;) Historical Romance is my primary love, but there are certain authors that write such incredible contemporary's that I will always cross the bridge for. And Julie Lessman is now one of them! :)

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    1. :) Thank you SOOO much, Noela, for "crossing the bridge" for me and Isle of Hope, even though many of those "bridges" were smouldering when you began! ;)

      Love you, my friend!

      Julie

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    2. Love you too, Julie!! Haha, if those bridges were already smouldering, they're in flames right now! ;)

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    3. Thank you for the compliment, Noela - especially in light of your exquisite review of 'Isle of Hope'. It's a beautiful, inspiring book that definitely takes residence in your heart and soul, isn't it?? I've read it twice, but like you - would love to have the time to read it again, such realistic characters and compelling life situations. I share your love for Historical Romance, yet knew Julie's beautiful passion and other trademark writing techniques would transfer to her writing of Contemporary Romance - and I would love it too. As I've commented previously - she could make a phone book compelling reading, she puts so much of her passion into her writing. I'm anxiously awaiting her coming Western novella.

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  4. Oh, Bonnie, as always -- your words encourage me in the deep recesses of my soul, bringing tears to my eyes. Not an uncommon thing with a weepy CDQ, certainly, but a definite habit when I read anything you write, my friend.

    Thank you SO very much -- not just for such an excellent and heartfelt review, but for your incredible encouragement throughout the writing of this book AND in every trial and tragedy I incur in my life! :) You are a gifted writer and a precious friend, and I thank God that our paths have crossed through our mutual love of Christian fiction.

    Love you to pieces!
    Julie

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    1. Julie - I'm always humbled and touched by your comments, and so grateful that God has given me the ability to be an encouragement to you. Especially since you continually encourage and inspire me in a beautiful way, unlike anyone, except my Lord. Likewise, I'm ever grateful to God for your sweet friendship - thanks for your transparency, for just being "you". We're 2 "peas in a pod", in so many ways, aren't we, lol?? Your beautiful books are an added blessing to me. Love you much!!

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  5. BONNIE, what an amazing review! You and Noela both have me salivating...like someone is holding a thick juicy steak just out of my reach! lol I cannot WAIT to read this, but have another I must get done first. Sigh...

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    1. Thank you, Diana - your comments made me chuckle, yet I so relate. I was reading another book for review when I received the revisions of 'Isle of Hope' and was "salivating" for the opportunity to read it again. The wait probably made it even more enjoyable, if possible - I feel you will be ecstatic with enjoyment and inspiration when you read it too!!

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    2. Okay, now I'M hungry, at mention of a steak, Diana, and I just got back from dinner, which is sad, isn't it?? Not sure IOH will measure up to a juicy steak, but I hope it fills you up with "hope." :)

      Hugs and more hugs!!
      Julie

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  6. I read both historical and contemporary but I do like historical better because I am very much into old things, like antiques, and vintage, and olden days.

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    1. Hi, Laurie!! Thanks for your comments and stopping by to chat with us at OWG. As with you, my reading preference is historical, however, 'Isle of Hope' is one contemporary I feel will give you enjoyment and inspiration - Julie's writing style transfers perfectly from her historicals to her beautiful new contemporary. If you have yet to become acquainted with her writing, the eBook of her touching, award-winning historical 'A Light in the Window' is on sale for $.99 now at Amazon. A warning, however: many readers become "Julie book addicts" after reading only one of her books, lol!!

      Good luck in the drawing, visit with us again soon, and please leave a way to contact you - should you be one of our winners.

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    2. LOL, Laurie, I was getting ready to give you the spiel about A Light in the Window being only 99 cents, but it appears my dear friend, Bonnie, beat me to the punch.

      BUT ... one thing I can do is show you the video my artist hubby made for A Light in the Window with my daughter as the model, so here's the link to see if you might like the book:

      A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW VIDEO

      Good luck in the contest!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  7. God is the key, and Julie's books most certainly exemplify that!!!!!! What an awesome book review!!!!! To have read the book twice and felt touched and inspired even more the second time really will draw readers to the book!
    Thank you for the opportunity to win it!

    Many Blessings and Smiles :) :) :)
    Charlotte

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    1. Charlotte, I'm touched by your comments - thank you!! Trust me - 'Isle of Hope' is one "awesome" book I feel will touch and inspire everyone who reads it. Yes, God is the key in each of Julie's books - one of the many reasons I love them so much, I so appreciate that she always gives Him the glory. God uses her writing to inspire and draw others to a deeper relationship with Him - in a beautiful way.

      Blessings to you, as well!! Good luck in the drawing, stop by to chat with us again soon - also, please leave a way for us to contact you, should you be one of our winners.

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    2. CHARLOTTE!! I automatically feel close to anyone who leaves a comment with tons of exclamation points, so you go, girl!!!

      And I agree -- the fact that Bonnie has read IOH twice not only blesses me to no end, but definitely will draw readers to the book, which blesses me all the more. :)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
      Julie

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  8. God is the key, and Julie's books most certainly exemplify that!!!!!! What an awesome book review!!!!! To have read the book twice and felt touched and inspired even more the second time really will draw readers to the book!
    Thank you for the opportunity to win it!

    Many Blessings and Smiles :) :) :)
    Charlotte

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  9. God is the key, and Julie's books most certainly exemplify that!!!!!! What an awesome book review!!!!! To have read the book twice and felt touched and inspired even more the second time really will draw readers to the book!
    Thank you for the opportunity to win it!

    Many Blessings and Smiles :) :) :)
    Charlotte

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  10. I read both genres but I'd have to say historical is my top favorite. I love when an author does their research and gives us vivid historical details, portraying characteristics in each person that's historically correct (talk, mannerisms, etiquette, etc), making you FEEL the whole atmosphere of that time period. It's like escaping into a whole different world & you can live a different time period through their writing!

    Beautiful review Bonnie just like Noela's!! This is one book I'd love to chance to read. I love the quote you have at the beginning of your post " Not only does our God redeem and restore human beings, he redeems and restores the mistakes they make as well" because that's EXACTLY what God did for me!! I'd be able to relate to this story and that's what I love about an author....when they can plunk you so deeply in the story, that you can shake your head with a resounding "yes" to what they write in the book & relate to the characters as if they were real!!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Oh, Trixi, I am most anxious to see what you think of IOH because you sound as emotional and deep as I am, so it may be just the book for you. Here's hoping we can find out if you win and I get to send you a copy. :)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
      Julie

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  11. Aw, Trixi - I always love reading your comments and the fact you're never afraid to express your feelings, you always seem to "get it". I think you probably relate to Julie & I in the transparency area also. Thank you so much!!

    I love historical for the very reason you gave, that of being able to escape to another time period. I never enjoyed history in school, but love learning tidbits of history through historical fiction now.

    I love Julie's above quote also - and again, for one of the same reasons as you: it applies to my younger years, the mistakes I made, and God's redemption and restoration of me and the mistakes I made in doing things "my" way. Julie has so many beautiful quotes in each of her books, it's a monumental task picking one to feature in my reviews. I hate to mark up my books, but I need to start underlining each of them just so I can refer back to them readily when I am waiting for another of her books to release and want to be re-inspired by her words. You're so right about her characters being realistic - I have each of them, from each of her books, stored in my heart; they're all beautiful - yet, I always find room to add more.

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  12. O Bonnie! What can I say that others haven't? I am humbled by your spirit of honoring God and the book in your reviews. Thank you for sharing this with us. And you are on target with Julie's writings. Her stories amplifies the beauty and the magnificence of God and the realism of her characters.

    I'm a fan of both historical and contemporary fiction, loving the simplicity and informational factor of historical fiction, as well as bringing my mind to a world different than my own. A girl can dream as long as I have my books. Contemporary fiction allows me to be able to relate on a more personal level. I'm leaving my email, but don't need to enter me in the drawing. justcommonly(at)gmail(dot)com.

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    1. And I'm humbled by your beautiful comments, Annie - thank you so much!! I consider OWG a ministry to inspire it's followers with stories of overcoming through God's help - whether it be through book reviews, author testimonies, or posts of encouragement. I pray over each review or post I do, considering it an honor to help spread awareness of the joy, comfort, inspiration, education, and lessons that can be learned via Christian Fiction. Three to four years ago, God encouraged me to share as often as possible, and with as many people as possible - He's given me quite a passion for Christian Fiction, I know there are so many others who feel the same.

      Love your comments re: how you relate to both historical and contemporary fiction. Christian Fiction has so many gifted authors - there are plenty of books to keep you "dreaming" for a long time. Thanks for your support of Christian Fiction, also!!

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    2. WOW, Annie, thank you SO much for your very kind and beautiful comment! And, YES, Bonnie DOES honor God in every single book she reviews, which is why I am doubly blessed by her words and her incredible insight.

      I'm excited that you are part of the blog tour for IOH, my friend, and anxious to see what you think. :)

      Hugs!
      Julie

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  13. Since Noela and Bonnie have both given Isle of Hope such glowing reviews, it makes me look forward even more to reading it. I've read and loved Julie's other books, so would want to read it anyway, but it helps to know others think it's her best book yet. My Christmas wish list is getting longer!

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Thank you for your wonderful comments, Pam!! Although I've loved each of Julie's historical fiction books deeply and feel the characters are almost part of my family, I was able to personally relate to the characters and issues in 'Isle of Hope' even more clearly. I feel other readers will also. Julie has commented often re: God's leading in each of the books she writes, with such a mentor - any genre she writes is bound to inspire her readers.

      Good luck in the drawing, and enjoy 'Isle of Hope'!! Speaking of gift lists - pre-ordering 'Isle of Hope' as a gift for someone is a wonderful idea at a bargain price, but only available for 2 more days on the eBook. The 'A Light in the Window' eBook is on sale at Amazon for only $.99. I was thrilled to hear Julie announce she has just decided to release the paperback of 'Isle of Hope' in November, also, rather than waiting until next year.

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    2. PAM!!! Thank you for putting me on your Christmas wish list, my friend, but here's hoping you will win IOH here instead. :)

      Hugs!!
      Julie

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  14. Wonderful review, Bonnie! Makes me rethink my automatic reach for historical books...lol I would love to win this one :)

    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. Good to "see" you again, Betti!! One never knows what she may be missing out on if she doesn't take chances, lol - especially when it comes to a gifted author like Julie. I started earnestly reading Christian Fiction about 4 years ago, until then - I read mostly biographies, auto-biographies, bible studies, and inspirational self-improvement books. Christian Fiction has been such an immeasurable blessing to me, I would be devastated without it now!!

      Here's hoping your name is a winner, thank you for your sweet comments!!

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    2. Hey, Betti, I'm with you on the genre of historicals -- LOVE them, but really felt the leading of the Holy Spirit in writing this contemporary. Once I am finished with this series, however, I am itching to get back into yesteryear, hopefully with a series on the O'Connor cousins during WWII. We shall see. :)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
      Julie

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  15. Wow! Did I just read from Ms Bonnie that she thinks it's your best work yet? Wow! Then it's got to be fantabulous! I need this book sooner than later! :-) Julie congratulations for the wonderful compliment from Bonnie!
    Ok, now I'll answer the question. I mostly read historical fiction, but I like to mix things up a bit and add a contemporary in every now and again and then a suspense. Gotta keep things interesting. But when a favorite author writes a book, sometimes it doesn't matter, I read their book next!

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    1. P.S. Sorry, Nancy - my response to your comments is after Melanie's comments, below. Blogger pulled a "whammy" on me while typing my response, lol!!

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    2. Yes, you did, Nance, and believe me -- that blows me away more than it does anyone else, so MEGA HUGS coming Bonnie's way and ALL the OWG gals!!

      Can't wait to see what YOU think, so GOOD LUCK in the contest!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    3. Got them! Thanks!

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  16. Thank you for the wonderful review! Good books are good books.....historical or contempory.....I love them! Thank you for the giveaway!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. I so agree with you, Melanie - and gifted authors write amazing, inspiring books, whatever the genre. Aren't we blessed to have so many wonderful books to read?? I love them too!! It was a pleasure and honor writing a review for such an incredibly inspiring book as 'Isle of Hope'. Thanks for your kind comments, and your support of Christian Fiction!!

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    2. Hey, Mel, AGREED!! Although I will admit I am partial to historical ... :)

      Here's to a win!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  17. It IS "fantabulous", Nancy, and yes, I do feel it is Julie's best work yet - I just had an "extra special" wonderful feeling both times I read it. It contains all the elements of Julie's writing her readers love: humor, realistic/heart-warming characters, warm family scenes, unexpected twists (notice I put an "s" on twist, lol), drama, angst, romantic and spiritual passion with God as the center. You'll laugh, cry, get mad, be shocked, and then be inspired beyond words at the way God's love and forgiveness mends the Carmichael and O'Bryen families.

    As with you, I read primarily historical fiction - with a contemporary or other genre thrown in now and then. However, there are authors whose work I love enough to always cross ANY genre to read their work - Julie will always be one of those authors.

    Thanks for your beautiful comments, Nancy!! Enjoy 'Isle of Hope' - you have an indescribable treat in store!!

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  18. Another great review! I am hearing so many good things about Isle of Hope. I'm looking forward to reading it. I also love Julie's writing. I bounce between contemporary and historical depending on my mood. Thanks for the giveaway!
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. Thank you so much, Loraine!! 'Isle of Hope' inspires and gives readers hope amidst extremely difficult circumstances through a loving, forgiving God, just as the title implies - it is a special book I feel will touch many people. It releases in 2 days - I can't wait to hear more testimonies from people whose lives have been changed through reading it. If you love Julie's writing - you will certainly love 'Isle of Hope'!!

      Thanks for your wonderful comments - visit us at OWG again soon, good luck!!

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    2. Thanks SO much, Loraine -- I appreciate your kind words, and bouncing back and forth is good exercise, right? ;)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
      Julie

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  19. I read some historicals, but I mostly read contemporary. However, I've read many of Julie's books and always enjoy them. So I really am looking forward to reading Isle of Hope!

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    1. Oooo, Jackie, then I am reallllly anxious to see what you think, my friend, as a true contemporary lover! If you like it, let me know, okay? And if not ... my standard answer is ... uh, never mind. :)

      Hugs!
      Julie

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    2. Hi, Jackie!! If you read contemporary and enjoy Julie's writing - you should love 'ISLE OF HOPE'!! It includes all of the trademark elements of her writing style, yet in a contemporary setting. Thanks for your comments - please stop by to chat with us again, and please a way to contact you - should you be one of our winners.

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    3. Julie, I'm sure I'll love it.

      Bonnie, I enjoyed visiting your blog today. Here's my info...joyfuljelatgmaildotcom

      Thanks!

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    4. Thank you, Jackie!!

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  20. Nice review Bonnie. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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    1. It is, isn't it, KIm??? Thanks for coming by to read it, and here's to a win!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    2. Thank you, Kim - hope you love 'Isle of Hope'!! Thanks for commenting, and good luck in the drawing!!

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  21. I can't say that I read either one Primarily. I love both and it all depends on my mood. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com

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    1. Ahhhhh ... a mood-oriented person, Jan, eh? Well, I am, too, so hopefully you will be in the right mood to read IOH if you win it, so good luck in the contest!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    2. Yay, sounds like you're well-rounded as a reader, Jan!! I really feel 'Isle of Hope' will appeal to readers of both contemporary and historical - love that you love both. If you haven't read any of Julie's books, I certainly hope you get the opportunity to do so through a win of 'Isle of Hope' - but if not, perhaps you'll purchase it, or her beautiful 'A Light in the Window' (eBook on sale for only $.99 on Amazon), to get a taste of her writing. She's an amazingly gifted author!!

      Thanks for your comments, please visit us again soon!!

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  22. I read more historical than contemporary fiction but I enjoy both! The O'Connor's of Boston were such a great family to read about. I look forward to reading a book that you think might top them=)

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Uh-oh, Patty ... not sure IOH will "top" the O'Connors because they are near and dear to my heart (and most of my readers' hearts), but this is the most spiritual book I have ever written, so it's message is more potent, I think, than many of the lessons in the O'Connor saga, partially because IOH is loosely biographical as far as the dysfunctional relationship the heroine has with her father. :)

      Hugs and good luck!
      Julie

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    2. Patty, as Julie commented - the message in 'Isle of Hope' is probably more intense than some of her books featuring the O'Connors, however, I think you will feel a connection with the Carmichael and O'Bryen families of 'Isle of Hope', and it's characters, in general. It contains all of Julie's usual passion, humor, angst, drama, unexpected twists, happy ending, realistic characters redeemed through a loving God - along with some heart-warming scenes with family members and children. It will tug at all of your emotions - from laughter, to anger, to tears - just as each of her historical books have.

      Thanks for your wonderful comments - enjoy 'Isle of Hope'!! We'd love for you to stop by and chat with us again soon.

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  23. Hey, Bonnie, great review! I posted on G+, Twitter, and Pinterest! I can't wait to read this book and savor every single word!!!! Hugs!

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    1. Thank you so much, Carrie - I so appreciate you!! "Savor" is the key word, lol - I love to do that with Julie's books!! Although, she packs so many beautiful inspiring phrases in each book, it may take more than one reading for me to "soak up", ponder, and retain the spiritual wisdom of them all. Hugs back, sweet lady!!

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    2. Carrie, it IS a great review, isn't it??? You sure know how to pick 'em, my friend! :)

      Hugs and more hugs,
      Julie

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  24. After reading all theses reviews I find this to be a :Must find and read" book.

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    1. Debi, 'Isle of Hope' is definitely a "must read" book!! Hope you're lucky enough to "find" it through a win here, but if not - you can purchase a copy on Amazon beginning this Sunday, Nov. 1st. If you keep an eye on Julie's FB pages - you'll soon find info re: coming review/book giveaways on other blogs, as well. She also has contests going on in which you can win books and have a character named after you - in her next book. The info is on her blog, Journal Jots. If you haven't read any of her books and aren't lucky enough to win one, please give yourself an inspiring "treat" by purchasing one of her beautiful books. Her 'A Light in the Window" is on sale for $.99 at Amazon.

      Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment - visit us again soon, and please leave a way you can be contacted, should you be one of our winners.

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    2. Thanks, Deb, I hope you get a chance to read it AND that you like it too!

      And, Bonnie, you are a natural publicist, my friend -- I should cut you a paycheck! ;)

      Good luck, Deb!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    3. I've already been paid with the enjoyment and inspiration of reading your beautiful writing, dear Julie!!

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  25. I normally read Historical but lately I have been reading Contemporary as well. This is certainly a MUST READ!!

    Lientjie

    lientjiehuman(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)au

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    1. Hi, Lientjie - so nice to chat with you again!! 'Isle of Hope' is such a beautiful inspiring book, I feel it will touch readers of both contemporary and historical - with it's stories of forgiveness through a loving God. I think you will find it a book you'll cherish and want to read more than once - enjoy!!

      Thanks for your sweet comments, come back soon!!

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    2. Thanks, Lientjie -- hopefully it's a MUST WIN, too, so GOOD LUCK!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  26. I really like this blog--I found it via Seekerville recently, and I think I'm hooked! Doesn't hurt that the first thing I read here was a Julie Lessman review and double giveaway! :)

    I tend to read a mix of historical and contemporary, choosing based on the author and my reading mood at the time. Lately, I've been rereading Dee Henderson's contemporary novels and reading Dani Pettrey's (a definite recommendation for y'all! :) ). But I love historicals, too! Both are wonderful genres and have many excellent authors to recommend them, including Julie now!

    If I'm not too late, can I hop into the drawing?

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    1. Sarah, welcome to OWG - I'm so glad you're here, and hope you'll make it a habit to visit with us on a regular basis. I'm grateful to Seekerville for "the plug" - it's such a wonderful informative blog with numerous gifted authors. At OWG - there are reviews and giveaways every week; from time-to-time, there are also author testimonies, encouragement posts, and so much more.

      Your name is in the drawing, so glad you were able to get in on a giveaway from an author whose work you enjoy - no author's work is any more beautiful, touching, and inspiring than Julie's. She's definitely a good choice for you, since she has now written both historical and contemporary. Good luck, thank you for your heart-warming comments, and please leave a way for us to contact you - should you be one of our winners.

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    2. SARAH!! Sorry it took me so long to respond, OWG is a WONDERFUL blog with the BEST reviewers in Christian fiction, in my opinion, so definitely put it on your favorites. I didn't steer you wrong with Seekerville, and I wouldn't steer you wrong here, my friend. :)

      Hugs!
      Julie

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  27. Julie, I can't wait to peek in on the O'Connor cousins in that potential series you've been giving hints about! And in WWII? One of my favorite eras to read! :)

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    1. LOL, Sarah, me either!! ;) I've been wanting to write Gabe's story for a long, LONG time, so I'm hoping to maybe tackle that after I finish the Isle of Hope series, God willing!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  28. Oh, my. Bonnie, you write wonderful reviews! I love both historical and contemporary romances, but have leaned more towards historical, as I adore learning new things about history. I do read contemporary, sometimes, and I can assure you, I would read Julie's grocery list. Julie is an outstandingly wonderful author. Thank you for the chance to win.

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comments, Debbie - I so appreciate them!! Lol, I so agree with reading Julie's grocery list - I've commented she could find a way to make even a phone book passionate, heart-warming, and inspiring. I feel you'll love her contemporary writing, just as you do her historical - her writing is definitely "outstanding" and "wonderful" in so many ways. Enjoy 'Isle of Hope', stop by OWG for another chat- soon, and please leave a way to contact you, should you be one of our winners.

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    2. LOL, DEB ... I can heartily assure you that my grocery lists are pretty boring, except for the little hearts I put on them since my hubby does all the grocery shopping! ;) But THANK YOU, my sweet friend -- that is high praise, indeed! :)

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  29. Bonnie, as requested:

    sclaucheATgmailDOTcom

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  30. I love both historical and contemporary but the lure of the past probably draws me to the historical side. I love Julie's books and I am excited to read Isle of Hope!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Merry, and trust me -- I'm excited for you to read IOH, too, so let me know if you like it, okay?

      Hugs!!
      Julie

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    2. Hi, Merry!! 'Isle of Hope' just released 2 days ago, has all 5 star reviews on Amazon, and is #1 on both lists in Inspirational Fiction for Hot New Releases and Women's Fiction - it has touched every reader's heart, I feel yours will be touched also. Enjoy it, thanks for your wonderful comments, please visit us again soon!!

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