by Julie Lessman
Winds of Change Series, Book 2
(Revell, 2011)
Review by Teresa S. Mathews
5 Stars *****
This is the story of Emma Malloy, the best friend of Charity O’Connor Dennehy. The two met while Charity was staying with her grandmother in Ireland. Quiet and beautiful,though scarred from a horrible incident caused by an abusive husband, Emma and Charity become best friends. When Charity leaves Ireland to come home to Boston, she cannot face leaving Emma behind, so she persuades Emma to come with her.
In the ten years Emma has been in America she has made a wonderful but somewhat lonely life for herself. Charity, loving Emma like a sister, wants to see Emma happy with a family of her own. But can Emma ever be truly happy? She has secretly had feelings for Charity’s brother Sean for years now but she knows she cannot act on those feelings, because of the tie that still binds her to the abusive husband she left behind years ago in Ireland. Will the God she serves make a way for her to be with the only man who has shown her respect and true love?
Sean, the stable and hardworking son in the O’Connor family who has his own secrets, has said he will never marry. Will he be able to trust God to touch his heart and take away the hurt of his hidden secret from years ago? Will he be the one to rescue sweet Emma from the prison of hurts she has suffered from an evil deceiving man? Will they ever have the happiness they both deserve?
I have read all of Julie's "Daughters of Boston" and "The Winds of Change" books and every time I read one I think "Julie can't top this one". I was wrong, it seems the more they come the better they get. If you have never had the pleasure of reading one of these books you will not want to miss this one. They all are based on the O’Connor family and even if you have not read any of the books in the series Julie has so expertly intertwined the stories it won’t matter where you start in the series you will be able to pick up the story line and the only problem you will have is wondering how long it will take you to find the others, so you can have the pleasure of reading those too!
Julie Lessman's books can be purchased at CBD, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered
in this week’s contest. Drawing will be
late Saturday. Your choice of this
author’s books, choice of format.
I just love Julie's books even though I have only read the first so far, so much to read and not enough time. The books are sitting on the shelf and calling me to read them.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Teresa!
jen.whitney08(at)gmail(dot)com
Wonderful review, Teresa! As a diehard Julie fan, I'm ashamed to say I haven't read her latest yet! :( I'm with Jen, so many GOOD books, so little time!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jen, when I found "A Passion Most Pure" I think I finished it in a day then I HAD to find the others ASAP! :) They are all wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThank you Diana, my bff! I can't imagine why you haven't read it yet! :O LOL!
ReplyDeleteLove your review, Teresa!
ReplyDeleteYou surprise me, Diana, that you haven't read this one yet! LOL
*Don't enter me in the drawing.*
Thank you Marian...I think we got some of your weather here in SC. We were having nice almost summer weather and now it's cold again. :( Can't wait for Spring.
ReplyDeleteTERESA -- Talk about "Happy Valentine's Day" to moi!!! Thank you SOOO very much for the wonderful review AND for reading all my books -- MUCH appreciated, my friend!!
ReplyDeleteJEN ... I'm right there with you, darlin', as far as so much to read, so little time! BUT ... we all get there eventually, so happy reading!!
DIANA ... Man, do I relate!! Laura Frantz is at the top of my favorites list, and it took me months to be able to read The Colonel's Lady, but WHOA, BABY, was it worth it!! Hopefully by the time you get around to AHR, you'll feel it was worth the wait too. :)
TERESA, really??? APMP in a day??? WOW, that's impressive!! The only record I've heard better than that and which blew me away was a sweet, young gal who came to one of my book signings in St. Louis to buy my latest book. I signed it for her at 3:00 PM in the afternoon and got an e-mail from her after 7:00 PM (maybe 7:45 or so?), telling me she finished it. I was blown away and a little sad because it's kind of how my mom used to feel taking all day to prepare a special birthday meal for our family of 13 kids, then we all bolted it down in five minutes. :)
Hugs,
Julie
My mom and I don't always share the same reading tastes, but we do share books, and we both enjoyed Julie's A HOPE UNDAUNTED. This new book sounds really wonderful as well!
ReplyDeleteReading one of Julie's books is a delight and I've yet to experience A Heart Revealed. Pick me please!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Well, if I had known that Julie Lessman's looooooooooong books could possibly be read in 4 hrs, I believe I would have already tried to read it...like during the Super Bowl! LOL
ReplyDeleteJulie it was an honor to do a review on one of your books. Especially the one of dear sweet Emma's story. :) I won't tell you how long it took to read the rest of the books...but I could say I "devoured" them! haha! Thank you for all the hard work that goes into them.
ReplyDeleteLove all of Julie's books! Would love to win one for myself or to pass on to a friend!
ReplyDeletePatty
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Lisa it was WONDERFUL but then again so were the rest, I don't think I could pick a favorite one, I will confess Charity was the one I talked out loud the most too! LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteMerry, we'll make sure your name is in the drawing, hope you'll be blest to win a copy! :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy Julie's books. Thanks for this review.
ReplyDeletewsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com
wendy
Thank you for the review. I enjoy reading every single one of Julie's books!
ReplyDeletesamanthaakuiper@gmail.com
LISA!!! PLEASE thank your mom for me and thank you to you as well for reading my books -- SOOO appreciate your support and kind words. Good luck in the contest, sweetie.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julie
MERRY ... thank you SO very much for your sweet comment, and here's to a win, my friend!
ReplyDeleteLOL, DIANA ... even I can't read one of my books in four hours, and I do EVERYTHING like a house afire PLUS I took a speedreading course years ago, so I doubt it's a talent many of us have, ESPECIALLY if you really want to enjoy a book! So, PLEASE, take your time on AHR!
PATTY ... that's the spirit, you sweet thing!! Win a book for a friend. What a sweetheart you are -- thank you!!
Hey, WENDY, thank you for your kind comment and good luck in this contest -- three chances to win my book this week PLUS books by Laura Frantz, Julie Klassen, Kelly Long and Susan Craft, so leave comments all week long!!
SAMANTHA ... BLESS YOU, darlin', for reading my books!! Here's hoping this nets you a win, okay?
Hugs,
Julie
Thank you for the review! I have only read a hope undaunted, but I love it!
ReplyDeleteI would like to be entered in the contest... evefereva at gmail dot com
Thanks!
I have read all of Julie Lessman's books and have enjoyed every one of them. Except this last one. I haven't had the chance to read it yet but have been dying to do so! I can't wait to read it, whether I win it or not.
ReplyDeleteOops, I forgot to leave me email. desiforsyth@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI've also got all of Julie's books except her most recent. I'd love to be entered to win!
ReplyDeletedawn(dot)janis(at)gmail(dot)com
I have read all of Julie's books and they are will be staying on my bookshelf for a very long time! I have not read AHR and would love to win a copy! I enjoy immersing myself in Julie's writing and living right along with her characters!
ReplyDeleteHappy Heart Day :)
Wendi
wowendi {at} gmail {dot} com
I love the cover, Julie! And I would love to win a copy of the book. Sherri
ReplyDeletewww.sherriwilsonjohnson.com
igottawrite at bellsouth dot net
Wendy and Samantha you are both welcome and we'll make sure you are entered! :)
ReplyDeleteEvelyn, Desi and Dawn thanks for coming by, we'll make sure you all are entered in the contest. :)
ReplyDeleteWendi aren't Julie's characters wonderful? It's like reading about family. :)
ReplyDeleteSherri it is very beautiful...thanks for stopping by. We'll make sure you are entered.
ReplyDeleteLove these books! enter me please :)
ReplyDeletekfloodle@gmail.com
With Julie : 'the more they come the better they get' Oh, Amen to that!
ReplyDeleteBless you for that nice review!! :)
The O'Connors... and JULIE!! are THE BEST!
And JULIE... you'll never guess what book I have open before me just right now! (I'm rereading it -- again :)
Mrs Lessman's books are SOO worth it and I would LOVE to be entered in the giveaway!
Blessings,
Ganise (ganise_4life@hotmail.com)
I love Julie's books!!! So good!
ReplyDeleteDoes Steven's story count for the giveaway?
marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
kfloodle@gmail Got you in the contest!
ReplyDeleteTeresa - you have me excited to read Julie's books. Would love to win a copy to read and then put in our church library. Thanks for the give away.
ReplyDeleteSharon
smoore at tcq dot net
Ganise, I don't blame you about re-reading Julie's books, they are soooo good! Have you entered in the contest! :)
ReplyDeleteMarissa, don't think so, as it's not out yet but will have to ask Julie about it. But you'll be entered in the contest and all of her books are GREAT!
ReplyDeleteTERESA, take your migraine to bed, sweetie! I hope the chocolate didn't have anything to do with that. My neurologist wants to take away caffeine and chocolate from me, so I suspect she is secretly evil, lol! Anyway, you need to lie down. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI hope I am not late to this Sweet Party!! Love your books Julie! I would love a copy of your latest :)
ReplyDeleteWaiting with baited breath for Laura's new book to come out. Book Candy is the best kind of all!!
oops forgot my email...smgerathy@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSTACIE, you are SO RIGHT!!! Book Candy is the best!!!
ReplyDeleteSharon, when I first discovered Julie's books I too was very excited, I was hooked after the first one. :) Have you entered!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carrie you're the best! :) But it just couldn't have been that wonderful chocolate! :) Sounds like your DR. must know mine, also they tried to tell me it's not good for reflux either! BAD Doctors! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had the privilege to pick up one of Julie's books but I'd love the opportunity to do so:)
ReplyDeleteEmail is estephen81@fsmail.net
Thanks and God bless!
EVA, if you love Christian fiction and excellent romance you MUST read Julie's books! Hey, if you win you will get hooked and have to read the rest!
ReplyDeleteOH, LOVE the book candy comment by sweet Stacie!! I've been thinking of you, girl, and hope things are going well:) Now I need to read through the rest of these great comments - a whole lot of them! I just wanted to say how MUCH I love Julie and her books!!! Three exclamation points just don't do her justice but I had to chime in here. She's one of a kind in so many ways and I long ago dubbed her the QUEEN of romance! Bless you all!
ReplyDeleteEVELYN ... thank you for coming by, my friend, AND for reading AHU -- that's my fave of all the books I've written. Here's to a win so we can get a copy of AHR in your hands, okay?
ReplyDeleteDESI!!! My heart dropped when I read your line, "I have read all of Julie Lessman's books and have enjoyed every one of them. Except this last one." I thought, Oh no, she hated AHR!! Kind of glad you haven't read it yet, girl, and hoping we can rectify that here. Good luck!!
DAWN ... thank you for reading all of my books so far, and here's to a win so we can get the last one in your hot, little hands!
Hey, WENDI, thanks for coming by to leave a comment AND for reading my books. Keep in mind that AHR is a wee bit slower read than say, AHU, because Sean and Emma have a ten-year friendship that S-L-O-W-L-Y ripens into true love. BUT ... being the romance freak that I am, I made sure that Katie and Luke and Mitch and Charity save the day in the kisses department ... ;)
Hugs,
Julie
Thanks, Sheri, I appreciate that. My favorite cover of all my books was A Passion Most Pure, with A Hope Undaunted second, but I am surprised at how many people have told me they love Emma's cover, so thank God for diversity, eh? Good luck!
ReplyDeleteANONYMOUS (KFLOODLE) ... thanks for coming by, sweetie, and here's to a win in the contest! Good luck!
GANISE!!! You ALWAYS make me smile, my friend, so THANK YOU!! And which of the books are you rereading?? You are SUCH a blessing to me, girl, and I am praying you pull out a win!!
Hugs,
Julie
MARISSA ... Steven's story was not originally included in this giveaway, but for you?? You bet!! Good luck, sweetie. :)
ReplyDeleteSHARON ... Uh-oh, I always get a wee bit gun shy when somebody says they're going to put my books in the church library. I have had more than one church librarian take me to task because my books are WAY more passionate than the average Christian romance novel, both romantically and spiritually, so PLEASE be warned. You may want to read one first before you put it on the shelf, you know? In the secular market they would be considered pablum, but in the Christian market?? Definitely some of the edgier Christian romance novels out there.
STACIE, I would go so far as to say that Laura's books are not just "book candy," because in my opinion they are SO much more delicious than that. Book ambrosia maybe ... :)
Hugs,
Julie
EVA!!! Just the type of reader I'm looking for -- new blood ... :) Would LOVE to get one of my books in your hands, sweetie, so GOOD LUCK in the contest!
ReplyDeleteAw, LAURA, you already know how much I love you, my friend, so it's definitely a mutual admiration society going on here. And if I haven't said it before on this blog, I'm saying it now -- The Colonel's Lady was one of THE BEST books I've read in the last year if not THE BEST. LOVE your work, my friend!
Hugs,
Julie
JULIE!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm re-reading the BEAUTIFULLY anointed story of Sean and Emma!! I CANNOT WAIT for the final book, but I'm also getting my tissue boxes piled on :( But, THANK GOD, He'll keep inspiring you with great new ideas, so who knows? A new family might capture my heart, down the road....
Blessings,
Ganise
Mmm.. I have a small question.. :)
ReplyDeleteAre the giveaways for books by Mrs Frantz, Mrs Klassen, Mrs Long, and Mrs Craft international? I have no doubt that they are amazing authors!!
Thank You. (Big smile)
Ganise
Only international if you have a Kindle or other ereader, Ganise, and thank you for asking! I do believe they can be read on the computer with e-reader software. We are not shipping paperback books internationally for this Valentines Week celebration. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE Julie Lessman! She gets to the root of many issues we deal with and does it in a way that holds my attention. I can't put the books down! (yes, all 500 pages of each!). This is the only one I haven't read yet, so here's to hoping I win! WOOT! (:
ReplyDeleteI love Julie Lessman's books! I am just watching this one to go to the right price so I can buy this one!!! I have read and own all the others! martha (at)lclink(dot)com
ReplyDeleteTeresa, another winning review! Don't enter me though. I have too many books (what?! did I just say that?) on my shelf. REALLY!!
ReplyDeleteJulie, I still haven't gotten to read your first book that I won a couple months ago on here, but it is on the top of my "fun" stack as soon as I get some free time!!! Maybe I need to take a break from reviewing just so I can your books because they all sound delicious ;) I especially love the cover on APMP!
happy ♥ day
uh...I left out "read" your books :) it is WAY too early!
ReplyDeleteMARTHA, thanks for stopping by and it is always great to see other Julie Lessman fans as I figure we all have a lot in common!
ReplyDeleteANNE - golly, what were you doing up that early? Hope all is well. We always love seeing you here with your sunny smile!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGANISE is the FIRST winner of a Julie Lessman book. This international reader can choose an E-book of any one of Julie Lessman's books. She was selected using Random.org! CONGRATS!!! Please advise me which one you would like and do you have a Kindle or how would you like the e-book to be sent? Blessings! Our other two books are of AHR and sweet Julie is giving away paperback versions of this great book!
ReplyDeleteWhoopee......I want to be in for Julie's AHR..if not too late!! THanks!!
ReplyDeletejackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net
Congrats, Ganise! Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteTwo more winners will be drawn for A Hope Revealed in paperback!
thanks for the chance to read julie's latest novel :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
big Julie fan here thanks for chance to win
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I own and have read all of Julie's books except for AHR, so would love the chance to snag a copy of it! I seriously adore The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series. My kind of passionate romance!! :)
ReplyDeleteOops, forgot to add my email... :)
ReplyDeletehammyflirt@hotmail.com
KAREN and APPLE BLOSSOM, thanks for coming by! CHRISTINA, you have to read this book!
ReplyDeleteJust read Ms. Julie's e-newsletter --OMGoodness, how long do we have to wait for "ALS"? ;-) Congrats to the winners of the review-contest also! 300+ reviews? I'm kind of glad I didn't enter this time. =P
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day everyone!
jafuchi7[at]jawaoo[dot]edu
Ack, sorry --my correct e-mail is
ReplyDeletejafuchi7[at]HAWAII[dot]edu
hi, so nice that Marian pointed out you're site. As I am a book lover this site feels like heaven. To be able to win books, wow.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have read your books yet.
Thanks for a chance to win a book!
Mirjam
I won A Passion Most Pure months ago on a different blog, and I spent last year's birthday money on all three that were available at the time.
ReplyDeleteIf my odds get better with contests entered, surely I'm due. I've been entering everywhere I see a giveaway.
I just love Julie! She's an amazing example for a Christian wife/mom/aspiring writer like me, in so many ways.
MIRJAM, Welcome to Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. We are so glad to have you here. Best wishes on possibly winning an ebook this week. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteGoogle translate:
Welkom op overwinnen door de Tijd - Met de hulp van God. We zijn zo blij dat je er bent. Beste wensen op eventueel winnen van een e-boek deze week. Zegen!
ANDREA - I agree! Anyone who spends their birthday on Julie's books is overdue for a win! Hmm, it would help if you left your email addy, tho!
ReplyDeleteGANISE ... just now read this, my friend, and I see you already have AHR, so I'm putting you down on the list for Steven's story, girl, so CONGRATS!!
ReplyDeleteAw, CHARITY, THANK YOU, sweetie!! I do like to bottom-line it with lots of passion, so I am SO very glad for readers like you who like that too. :) BLESS YOU!!
MARTHA!!! Good for you, darlin' ... holding out for the deal because in today's economy, we all have to tighten the belts. Which is why entering these blog contests is SUCH a good idea. Be sure to check out my website calendar for a few giveaways I have going on that wasn't expecting to have, so take advantage, okay?
Hugs,
Julie
Oh, ANNE, I totally relate to the "fun stack" that we authors and reviewers can never get to. Sometimes there are so many other book commitments that I get SO frustrated at not being able to just sit down and read a book I reallllly want to read, so you know what?? Every now and then I just go ahead and DO IT, and I feel SO wicked when I do, but it's SO worth it!! So when you do finally sit down to read APMP, the real test is not WHEN you read it, but how quickly you ponce on the sequels once you do! :)
ReplyDeleteJACKIE ... don't forget to come back all week to Carrie/Diana/Teresa's blog, not only for two more chances to win one of my books, but other fabulous giveaways by Laura Frantz, Julie Klassen, Kelly Long and Susan Craft. Good luck!
KAREN ... thanks for coming by, sweetie, and ditto to what I said to Jackie above, okay?
Hugs,
Julie
Hey ABI ... thanks SO much for coming by today, my friend, and don't forget to come back all week to Carrie/Diana/Teresa's blog, not only for two more chances to win one of my books, but other fabulous giveaways by Laura Frantz, Julie Klassen, Kelly Long and Susan Craft. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteCHRISTINA, thank you SO much for your sweet comment -- SO appreciated!! Let's see if we can't get a copy of AHR in your hands before all is said and done this week, okay? GOOD LUCK!!
LDK!!! SOOOO glad you liked the newsletter and yeah, Erica Hogan and Ashley Roberts did a PHENOMENAL job in that contest, so they will be a tough act to follow. And I have a feeling you are going to LOVE ALS, my friend, or at least I hope you do!!
Hugs,
Julie
MIRJAM ... thanks SO much for coming by!! This is definitely one of THE BEST (AND healthiest!) review blogs out there, so I hope you win a book (hopefully mine?) when you visit all week. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, ANDREA, I do believe you are my first tear-welling today, my friend -- thank you SO much for your support and your friendship. I am blessed our paths have crossed ... and God bless Carol for making that happen!! :) Here's to a win!!
Hugs,
Julie
I LOVE Julie's books and really enjoyed your review. Thanks for the opportunity to win one of her books!
ReplyDeletelovetoread205 [at] gmail [dot] com
So enjoy Julie's books!
ReplyDeletepsagens [at] gmail [dot] com
Hey, MEGAN, looking forward to celebrating your blogaversary on 2/25-32, girl!! Thanks for coming by to lend your support and don't forget to come back all week to this blog, not only for two more chances to win one of my books, but other fabulous giveaways by Laura Frantz, Julie Klassen, Kelly Long and Susan Craft. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSANDY ... thanks for coming by and for your sweet comment, and remember -- you have two more chances to win my book by leaving comments on Wed. and Saturday on this blog!
Hugs,
Julie
Thanks Carrie and Julie,
ReplyDeleteI stand corrected, Marian told me that I have one of you're books so I went to the bookcase and found "a hope undaunted" . (still have to read it) Marian is my personal librarian , she knows what my bookcase holds, better than I :) (maybe because I boughed them through her )
Can you tell me what the title is of the first O'Connor book?
Be much obliged.
WHOO-HOO, MIRJAM!!!! Soooo thrilled you have A Hope Undaunted -- it's my fave of all my books, but this is a series best read in order, so if you are the type that likes to read a series from the beginning, you may want to start with book 1 in The Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Most Pure. It won American Christian Fiction Writers Debut Book of the Year in 2009, and it does contain a few big surprises that would be ruined if the books are read out of order. BUT ... you certainly can read them out of order. Totally up to you!
ReplyDeletePLEASE thank Marian, "your personal librarian" :), for me and give her a hug too.
Hugs and happy reading!!
Julie
I would really like to win this book, it sounds great. Thank you for hosting the giveaway.
ReplyDeletewfnren(at)aol(dot)com
wrensthoughts.blogspot.com
I have read A Hope Undaunted for the Dutch publisher and now it's translated. I don't think it's in stores yet, but it will be soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm also Mirjam's personal librarian... LOL. She's buying most of her books through me, like she said. And yes, most of the time I know what's on her bookshelf better than Mirjam. :)
Wat zou je zonder mij moeten he, Mir. ;)
Eens kijken of ze dit ook gaan vertalen... hihi
MARIAN!!! I remember you well, my sweet friend!! I thought it was hoax at first because I couldn't believe AHU was being printed in Dutch!! :) But I know I have YOU to thank, so THANK YOU SOOOO much, not only for reading it, but for putting the wheels in motion for Dutch publication -- I owe you, kid!! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I would KILL for a "personal librarian," although I'm not sure when I would find the time to read all the extra books she'd send my way. :|
Hugs,
Julie