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09 October 2012

Diana Flowers Reviews A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman

A Love Surrendered
(Revell, 2012)

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars~*****

Another Gem by Julie!

In A Love Surrendered, a tale of unrequited love, regrets, forbidden passions, and spiritual awakening, Julie Lessman concludes her two series of the unforgettable O'Connor family.

Annie Kennedy has moved to Boston, Massachusetts, with her little sister Glory, to stay with her aunt after the death of her parents. With the advent of her eighteenth birthday, Annie begins to feel a restlessness, and begins sneaking out at night to hang out with the wrong crowd at Ocean Pier, Boston's hot spot, and meets Steven O'Connor, a prohibition agent.

Steven immediately steps into the role of protector to the lovely, and innocent Annie, unaware that she is the younger sister of Maggie Kennedy, a woman he had fallen in love with several years before. Guilt surrounds Steven like a cloak, as he remembers the illicit relationship he had had with Annie's sister, and is determined to protect her innocence from men such as himself.

As Annie finds herself falling in love with and receiving mixed signals from Steven, will she find her way back to the Lord, and be able to maintain her integrity? And what will happen to the budding romance should Steven find out she is Maggie's sister? As someone unexpectedly appears in all of their lives, what secrets erupt that threaten to destroy Steven, Annie's, and even Glory's newfound happiness?...and will he ever be able to surrender his guilt of the past to God?

Julie Lessman has done it again! This was a beautiful tale of family and unconditional love; with heart stirring, raw emotions, twists and turns, and interlaced with the splashes of humor that Ms. Lessman is so well known for. A surprise twist at the end made for a perfect conclusion to this fabulous series, as I tearfully said goodbye to the beloved O'Connor family. With a strong spiritual thread of God's love and redemption throughout, you don't want to miss out on this one-possibly my favorite of all of Julie Lessman's books. 

Nicely done, Julie! 

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion. 



Julie Lessman's books can be purchased on CBDAmazon, Barnes and Noble, Lifeway, and other book stores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contests. Three drawings will be done this week for all the reviews, with the last one late Saturday, your choice of Julie's books and choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. 

*International winners will only receive the book in ebook format, not as a paperback.

88 comments:

  1. SO SO SO looking forward to reading this!! Having just got my copy today, I was happy not to read any spoilers! :) Great review! Can't wait to have my heart stirred and emotions left raw, while being surprised by twists and turns, interspersed with laughter and tears, and spiritually challenged!! Which is what happens every time I read one of Julie's books! :)

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  2. A lovely review, as usual, DIANA!

    NOELA, you have a nice way to express yourself! :)

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  3. Can't wait to read it. Would love to win this.

    Battles2001@hotmail.com

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  4. LOL, NOELA! I did say all that but not quite so prettily, and I should have used the word interspersed. lol Have fun with your book, sweety.

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  5. Thank you, MARIAN! You are the best!

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  6. MELISSA! I can't wait for you to read it! Julie's books are quite wonderful as I'm sure you know already!

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  7. DIANA!! As ALWAYS, you bless the socks off me with your reviews, my friend, and I am SO thrilled you enjoyed the book!!

    So, now the $24-million-dollar question ... did you cry or tear up?? I cried more with this book than any other, and not just because it's the last either. But then I tend to be the weepy type ... uh, ya think???

    PLEASE let me know where you post this review, so I can enter you in my review contest, okay?

    Hugs and more hugs,
    Julie

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  8. NOELA SAID, "Can't wait to have my heart stirred and emotions left raw ..." LOL ... yeah, I tend to be a real mind grinder with those emotions, don't I?? Consider it a defense mechanism for my poor hubby -- to protect him from all the angst and drama he'd have in his life if I didn't spend it all writing books ... ;)

    MARIAN ... I agree ... "lovely review," indeed ... and then some! :) But then, that tends to be the M.O. of this group ... :)

    MELISSA ... I'm pulling for you, girl, because I would "love" for you to win it too! GOOD LUCK!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  9. DIANA I love your review, as usual. lol! The last part made me giggle "possibly my favorite of all of Julie Lessman's books." I know what you mean, how can you choose a favorite of Julie's books, they are all fantabulous?!

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  10. Hey, TERESA! Thank you! It's kinda like trying to pick a favorite kid, isn't it? That's why I used the word "possibly." lol

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  11. Thank you, JULIE, sooo much. Of course I cried---I told CARRIE I always cry with a good book---that's how I determine how good it actually is. On my tear meter, A Love Surrendered was an absolute 10! lol

    As far as I know now, I will be posting on Amazon, CBD, and Net Galley. I signed up for Goodreads, but have never taken the time to make head nor tails out of that site. :(

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  12. JULIE, loved the protecting hubby from all the angst and drama remark, btw! LOL Thank the dear Lord you reserve it for your books! And I'm sure hubby thanks the Lord, too-everyday! ;)

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  13. Toss my name in the hat please! I can't wait to read about Steven and Annie. I think somewhere along the line in each of Julie's books I actually cried! Must have tissues handy....Puffs preferred :)

    Fantastic as always, DIANA! You have a way with words. I hope I win!

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  14. Thank you, ANNE! Maybe if you win we should throw in a box of Puffs for good measure. ;) And you may as well leave off your makeup when reading as well!

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  15. I'm still trying Julie! :) Please enter me.

    Amada (prnounced: a.m.a.th.a)Chavez

    amada_chavez[AT]yahoo{DOT}com

    John 3:15-16

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  16. Great review! I can't wait to read Julie's books... they all look so wonderful! Thanks for the chance to win. =)

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. Aww, AMADA, bless you. Persistency pays off oftentimes! Keep your fingers crossed, your eyes crossed, your feet crossed, and everything else that you can possibly cross. Oh, and pray--for sure pray! :) My grandson is sitting here reading my message and crossing his fingers and legs for you. lol!

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  18. Diana, very nice review! You must be a fast reader--I am still reading and though I don't want to put it down, the kids have this annoying habit of needing to eat and wear clean clothes. LOL What a great story, and you captured its essence so well.

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  19. Thanks, KATHY! You're so sweet. Actually I can read fairly quickly IF (that's a big IF) I can read uninterrupted for awhile, which doesn't seem to be the case here lately. Life just seems to want to carry on in spite of my insatiable desire to read instead. So I do feel your pain! lol

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  20. This is the next of Julie's books on my list to read. Love Julie's books. Would love to win it.

    And Hugs to you Julie
    Sue Hamilton
    suehamilton3@earthlink.net

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  21. Would really love to win a copy!
    debsbunch5@jesusanswers.com

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  22. Great Review Diana - thanks for the Blog, and would love to win:)

    Julie you know I can't wait to read this next book!! I mean they all make you want more!!
    Jennifer Dove
    jdovefamily@gmail.com

    Blessings everryone!!

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  23. I'm a new Julie Lessman fan, I'd love to win! :D

    spyg93(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  24. SUE, this is a must read, especially since this is the last in the series with the wonderful O'Connor family!

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  25. CHAPLAINDEBBIE, I want you to win a copy as well! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  26. Thank you, MAMADOVEONABOX! We are so happy to have you stop by today. Yes, JULIE's books are definitely addictive!

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  27. Great review, I can't wait to read this one although I will be heartbroken to bid the O'Connors goodbye.

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  28. Ooops, forgot my email.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  29. Oh, I would LOVE to win, this story sounds so good! Enter me please.

    winterrose at comcast dot net

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  30. Aw, TERESA AND DIANA -- THANK YOU!! And I am SO glad you cried, Diana, not that I want you to cry, but I sure hated to be the only wimp who did ... ;)

    ANNE, LOL!! Yes, I prefer Puffs too! ;)

    AMADA, YAY!! You are bound to win one of these days, my friend, so you go, girl!!

    ELYSSA ... gosh, I can't wait for you to read my books either, girl -- seems like it's been FOREVER!! :)

    HUGS,
    Julei

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  31. ROSIE, once you read ONE of Julie's books the fan part is instantaneous!

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  32. LOL, KATHLEEN ... yeah, nasty habit, eating! ;)

    SUE!! Hey, girl, thanks for coming by and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!

    CHAPLAIN DEBBIE!!! LOL ... I am STILL chuckling over how you got your name, sweetie!;)

    JENN!!! LOVE your addy!! And would LOVE to send you this book, so here's to a win!

    ROSIE!! That's what a like to hear -- "a new fan," although I prefer the term "reader friend," since that's what we are, right?? GOOD LUCK!!

    JULIA!!! Can't wait to see what you think of it, my friend, so GOOD LUCK!!

    LOUISE!! Just saw you over at TBCN, so you go, girl!! Let's home it will net you a win!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  33. JULIA, you can pre-order the prequel, A Light In The Window...and then tearfully say your goodbyes to the O'Connors. :(

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  34. I'm just starting my journey with the O'Conner family and I can't wait to read more! Thanks for the chance to win!
    gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

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  35. ABBI, you are in for a wonderful journey I can tell you that. I'm a little envious--you are just beginning yours and I'm ending mine...at least with the O'Connors anyway! (boo hoo) More tears, JULIE!

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  36. Wonderful review, Diana! I think both you and I say each of these O'Connor books is our favorite of Julie's, lol!!! Each one gets better and better but I have loved them all.

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  37. All of Julie's books are my favorites!! lol Love all her books and love Julie! Thanks for entering me!
    Jackie S.

    jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

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  38. LOL, CARRIE-I DO believe you are right. I have loved the whole series as well, and am wondering how JULIE is going to top this one. I betcha she will though, knowing JULIE! Or at least as good...

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  39. I'm in the midst of reading this book and am loving it, as I've loved every book Julie's written in the series about the O'Connor family. It will be sad to say good-bye to this wonderful family but hopefully Julie can write more books about the 3rd generation to continue the story.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  40. JACKIE, aren't they and she just the best?! Thank you for coming by and showing your support of JULIE'S books, and lots of luck in the giveaway!

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  41. PAM K. am looking forward to reading the prequel, A Light in the Window, just to hear one last little tidbit of the O'Connor family before I bid them goodbye!

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  43. This book is currently in my TBR stack! I absolutely cannot wait! I've heard awesome things about A Love Surrendered.

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  44. Wouldn't it be loverly...to win. Sorry, EMILY...I saw My Fair Lady in your email and got carried away and started singing. You may be too young to remember that song. lol Thank you and your name is in the hat!

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  45. MARISSA, best move it to the top of that stack, gf! :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  46. cool. I need this book to complete the set. thanks for the chance to win

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  47. APPLE BLOSSOM-I hope you are able to get this one to complete your set! What a great series, isn't it?

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  48. I love Julie's books and this one sounds great, please enter me in the contest.

    Blessings, Tina Rice
    tfrice@comcast.net

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  49. Great review! I have been looking forward to reading this book so much!! :)

    samanthaakuiper(at)gmail(dot)com

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  50. TINA, here's hoping for a win for you! Thank you for coming by OTT!

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  51. Thank you, SAMANTHA! I definitely hope you get a copy in your hands ASAP! You will love it!

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  52. Entering a comment for my sis in law.

    I want this book! ~Barbara Smith
    thatoldgal@gmail.com


    That was straight and to the point, BARB! lol

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  53. Hey, ABBI, I am SO thrilled that you are just starting the journey!! I would love to hear your favorites when you are through. In the first series, The Daughters of Boston, book 2 A Passion Redeemed is my fave and in the second series, Winds of Change, book 1 A Hope Undaunted is my top fave of ALL my books, so I hope you like them too. GOOD LUCK in the contest, sweetie. :)

    DIANA ... I know, I'm still shedding tears over saying goodbye to my second family!!

    And, CARRIE ... LOL ...I have NO PROBLEM with people saying ALL my books are their favorites ... ;)

    LOL, JACKIE ... Like I told Carrie above, I LOVE hearing that, my friend, so THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!!

    Hugs,
    JULIE

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  54. Excellent review, Diana. You have your way with words :-)

    And I'm not doubting that this will book will be GREAT. I know I'll also cry alot so...

    *snif!* :-) Aww, the O'Connors. How I love you!

    Waving to the Queen of Passion in Christian Fictian -- and my dear friend!

    Blessings,

    Ganise

    g.gclermont AT gmail DOT com

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  55. PAM K??? DIANA, I didn't see Pam's comment, but I've been known to be as blind as I am deaf, so no wonder!!

    EMILY ... MY FAIR LADY ...YES, it IS a wonderful review, but I expect nothing less from the ladies on this blog, truly! GOOD LUCK, sweetie. :)

    And, DIANA, I ALWAYS start singing something from My Fair Lady every time I see Em's addy -- LOVE IT!!

    MARISSA!!! Oh, I can't wait for you to read it, my friend, because I'm ALWAYS anxious to see what one of my fave reader friends thinks of it. :) GOOD LUCK, sweetie!

    HUGS,
    JULIE

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  56. Ohhhhh ... My goodness ... Wow ... Does this ever look & sound absolutely awesome! Absolutely cannot wait to read it & it sure would be absolutely awesome to win! As ... Julie Lessman is 1 of my absolute favorite authors ... Whose books always keep me up ... Ever sooooo very late into the night & ever sooooo richly bless my heart! Way more than words can ... Or ... Will ever be able to adequately describe there to her & way more than she can ... Or ... Will ever possibly know! Such an ever sooooo very dear soul & such an ever sooooo very special friend she is ... With such a heart of gold!:D)

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  57. ABS!!! (Apple Blossom) ... would LOVE to provide the missing piece of your set, so you go, girl!! GOOD LUCK!!

    Thanks, MRS. TINA, sooo appreciate the kind words and here's to a win, my friend!

    SAM ... I am SO glad you've looked forward to ALS and I hope it's worth the wait -- GOOD LUCK!!

    BARB SMITH ... you are ONE lucky duck, girl, to have Diana as a sister-in-law -- she is THE BEST, as you already know, no doubt! I'd like to see yo win just because of her, so GOOD LUCK!!

    GANISE!!! I swear, girl, a giveaway would NOT be complete with your sweet support, so THANK YOU and you should be getting your book any day now, my friend. CAN'T WAIT to see what you thin!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  58. KRISTA, you have such a lovely way with words! You definitely need to write reviews if you aren't already...maybe even a book! Thank you, dear encourager!

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  59. Thank you, JULIE, concerning your comment to my sis-in-love! I am the blessed one. BARB always gives me such wise, Godly counsel, and I have a whole new perspective after I talk over a problem with her!

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  60. Thanks for sharing your review. The book sounds fabulous!

    Jes
    jswaks at gmail dot com

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  61. You are so welcome, JES! It's such a delight sharing about awesome books and authors!

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  62. I would love to have another Julie Lessman novel!! Please add me to the drawing, please. I would like book 1 in this series:
    BOOK 1, THE WINDS OF CHANGE, A HOPE UNDAUNTED. Kathleen
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  63. Hey, JES, thanks for coming by to read Diana's fabulous review and GOOD LUCK in the contest!

    KATHLEEN!! Oh, girl, you just HAVE to get your mitts on A Hope Undaunted -- it is my absolute FAVE and, in fact, as soon as I'm done reading a book for endorsement and another from a dear friend, I plan to dive in to AHU again. You see, I always reread all the books prior to the release of the next book just to refresh and so far I've read the DOB series and now DYING to get into Katie and Luke's story. It's really the best microcosm of the entire O'Connor family because it gives insight into every single member when faced with tragedy.

    So, GOOD LUCK, girl!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  64. I would love to win! I actually have to read the Winds of Change series out of order, because I have to read A LOVE SURRENDERED asap and I haven't read the first two books yet. :(

    Frequentreader19 at gmail dot com

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  65. MELANIE, I've not had to do that before...maybe it won't be so bad. Course you will already know who gets with who--but you'll still enjoy the journey of how they make it there. :)

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  66. Thanks so much for the great review. I would love to win A Love Surrendered.
    godblessamerica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com

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  67. JAN, thanks so much for stopping by and showing an interest in Julie's books! I would love for you to win A Love Surrendered, but if not I hope you will be able to order it. Well worth the money...you will love it!

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  68. Awww I am the Blessed one by having Diana Flowers for a sister-in -law!! She is just a ray of sunshine with her genuine soft spoken personality... Always such a joy to be with, I do not get to be around her as much as i would like... I do not drive so therefore I lo not get around a lot.. I am so proud of her! Isn't she just wonderful with these book reviews? I sure hope I win this book by Julie Lessman!! diana and teresa made me want to Not Wait to get it n my possesion!
    Barbara Smith

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  69. Wonderful review, Diana! I'm about 1/2 way through this one and LOVING it! Of course! Julie's writing is FANTASTIC, as always! :D

    I'd love to win a copy for a friend of mine, so thank you for entering me!

    ((((BIG HUGS))) to you, Julie! I've missed you, lady!!! But SO GLAD that I've had ALS to keep me company these days. :D

    You continue to stay close in thought and prayer.
    Love you!
    Michelle

    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

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  70. Awww, BARB. Thank you so much. You are not my s-i-l, but my sister--biological or not. I am so touched by your words for once I am rendered speechless. That takes some doing! I hope you get a copy of this book asap...love you!!

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  71. MICHELLE-always a joy to see you! I'm so glad you are enjoying this book and came by to tell us so. Hoping for a win for you---and your friend! :)

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  72. I don't even have to read any reviews before I know that one of Julie's books is going to be good! I'm sure even if I don't win this one will make it onto my bookshelf before long. Have to complete my collection, don't I?

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  73. PATTY, you certainly do need to complete that collection! But please come back by and leave your email so you can have a chance to win it! :)

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  74. Hey, MEL, no worries because there really shouldn't be any spoilers in ALS. The only real spoilers were in book 1, A Passion Most Pure, where I had two HUGE surprises that would have been revealed if the books were read out of order, but that's the only book where that happens. Can't WAIT to see what you think of ALS, my friend!!

    JAN ... thanks for stopping by and GOOD LUCK in the contest, girl!! LOVE your addy, by the way -- God bless America!!

    BARBARA!!! I'd say you're BOTH pretty darn lucky, guys, because next to a great mother-in-law, the best thing to have in extended family is a GREAT sister-in-law, so you guys are BLESSED!! Thanks for popping in and hope you enjoy ALS when you read it. :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  75. MICHELLE!!! Girl, you have NO idea how many times I have thought about you over the last few months and prayed for those things I told you I would pray for!! Miss you SO very much and hope all is well. Cannot WAIT to get your take on ALS, sweetie, so HAPPY READING!!

    AW, PATTY, you are SO sweet, darlin' -- thank you for the kind comment and, YES, you do need to complete your collection, so GOOD LUCK!!

    HUGS,
    Julie

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  76. I won't give up till I win this book! I just finished another of Julie's books.

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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  77. Great review Diana, I'm so looking forward to starting this one!

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  78. MELODY-persistency is a quality we admire here at OTT! You go, girl!

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  79. Thank you, LIZ! Hoping you get a copy in your hands ASAP!

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  80. JULIE, sometimes a person can have one too many in-laws...so you may be blessed! lol I have great ones, but sometimes those b-i-ls....never mind. 'Nuf said. ;)

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  81. Great review Diana. Great sounding story Julie. I would love to win this book. Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

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  82. Thank you, MAXIE! I'm convinced you will love this wonderful book!

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  83. MELODY!!! GOOD GIRL -- do NOT give up because there are too many giveaways going on not to try and win it. Just go to my website calendar and leave a comment on each of them, okay? Here's the link:

    JULIE'S CALENDAR

    Also, it's not on my calendar, but I'm also having a giveaway on Seekerville today through Friday, so here's the link if you haven't already posted there too.

    SEEKERVILLE: KISS-OLOGY 301

    HUGS and GOOD LUCK!!
    Julie

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  84. LIZ ... PLEASE let me know what you think when you're done, okay? And here's to a win in this contest, my friend. :)

    DIANA ... I actually have the MOST WONDERFUL MIL ever, so I sure fell in!! And my SILs are great too, but the MIL is to die for!! :)

    MAXIE ... SO proud of you, girl, leaving comments everywhere. If you're not careful, you could win a signed book that way ... ;)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  85. Lucky you, JULIE! I have no parents on either side anymore. :(

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  86. JAN is our first winner this week. Congrats, Jan! Jan btw has an adorable blog called God Bless America. Click on her blogger profile and you can connect to it. I am now a follower! Blessings!

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  87. So cool, JAN! Congrats! Going to look at your blog!

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