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27 October 2015

Noela reviews ISLE OF HOPE by Julie Lessman



Isle of Hope

Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love - Isle of Hope series, Book 1
Julie Lessman; 1 Edition (November 1, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 (shining) Stars *****

Rich in romance, reconciliation, and restoration

The Isle of Hope in Georgia—the sleepy, charming coastal community dotted with palms and pines and an expansive salty marshland—provides many a peaceful postcard setting. Though while the water-logged salt marsh buffers the populace from stormy seas, the drifting and fractured lives of some of the residents are about to be ripped open yet again; to endure soul-deep pain from Lacey Carmichael upon her return. The question is… will they allow healing to take place or will their wounds worsen like the decaying marsh grasses?

Painful memories, hurt feelings, broken hearts and broken trust… Lacey has returned to Georgia to make amends caused by her abrupt desertion eight years ago. It was a time when she was without faith, and muddling through reckless teenage rebellion and a volatile divorce between her parents after an affair. What made her run away from the people she loved, especially her ex-fiancĂ© Jack who had always comforted her? Eight years is a long time for unforgiveness to fester. Can Lacey’s father, Jack, and her friends forgive her, or have their feelings shifted beyond repair?

Pediatrician Jack O’Bryen, now nicknamed Dr. Doom, used to be happy. Back when he was with the girl he loved, possessing a strong faith in God, and a mom and dad he was proud of. All that fell apart when his pastor dad had an affair, and his girlfriend left him high and dry. Never the same, he lost his faith and his joy. And now the only girl he’s ever truly loved has returned a Christian and wants to build bridges. Can it be possible when Jack and Lacey are still miles apart in spirit? And will it be possible for all the relationships shredded by the affair between the two families—and by Lacey’s desertion—to find healing and new beginnings?


Punchy, passionate, and powerful!! That’s the sort of writing Julie Lessman delivers. From characters with raw, penetrating emotions that tied me up in knots and tears, to the most compelling, God-given story-thread I’ve ever read on forgiveness. This is a novel that has the potential to change your life. I know, because it’s made me believe in the impossible and given me hope where I had none. On top of all that; expect exquisite descriptive writing, two romances that squeeze your heart, and Julie’s trademark surprises! And God’s unfailing love. Highly recommended!!

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Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing 
love surrounds the one who trusts in Him. - Psalm 32:10

You can find ISLE OF HOPE for a bargain price at: AMAZON
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GIVEAWAY: Julie Lessman is generously donating TWO books this week for our giveaway! One winner will be chosen from my review, and the other winner from Bonnie Roof's review on Thursday!! As always, leave your email for contact purposes should you win. Use (at) and (dot) to protect yourself against spammers.



102 comments:

  1. I want.....this sounds absolutely fabulous! Stories of forgiveness always warm my heart, your review is beautiful Noela! I could almost feel all the emotions you did because you described them so well :-) Thank you for the chance to win a copy of "Isle of Hope". One certainly can't go wrong with Julia's writing.

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. That is SO true, Trixi... One can NEVER go wrong with Julie's writing!! :) That's just one thing I love about her books. There's never a doubt, I'm going to be swept away by her stories and my emotions flung all over the place! ;) This book is as fabulous as it sounds Trixi, and your heart will be warmed thoroughly I promise!! All the best!

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    2. LOL, Trixi, well if "stories of forgiveness" warm your heart, you're in for a heat wave, darlin', because this baby is loaded!!

      Thanks for your kind words, Trixi, and MEGA HUGS to Noela for her INCREDIBLE review!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  2. Your beautiful review touched my heart, Noela - thank you!! I so agree that 'Isle of Hope' has the potential to change one's life, I pray God uses it to speak to an astounding number of people. I've loved Julie's writing from the first passionate lines I read, 11 novels and 2 novellas ago; I didn't think it possible to be touched anymore deeply than I already had - by her writing. However, 'Isle of Hope' spoke to me in a way no other book has, the mere thought of it fills me with emotion - if it ministered to me so greatly, I can only imagine how difficult and cathartic it must have been for Julie in writing it. Made even more so by it's being semi-biographical. It's an exquisite powerful, passionate story of how God's love and forgiveness can heal one's heart, soul, and mind. Thank you, Julie - for letting God lead you in the writing and publishing of 'Isle of Hope', regardless of other's opinions.

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    1. Thanks so much Bonnie... and I am praying the same thing... that it will speak to and touch countless lives, not just presently, but for years to come! I agree too, about this one touching so deeply within... And I'm sure that's because there's so much of Julie's heart and the Holy Spirit within this anointed book.

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    2. Amen, Noela - there is so much of Julie in 'ISLE OF HOPE'; supplied through both emotionally draining and joyful writing sessions, I feel. And ALWAYS guided by the Holy Spirit - the reason there is so much realism, faith, and passion in her writing.

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    3. Aw, Bonnie, you never fail to bless me with your encouragement and support, my friend -- God bless you!!

      And you are SO right -- it was a totally "cathartic" experience for me, squeezing more tears out of this weepy CDQ than all my other books, primarily because Lacey's relationship with her dad -- and the restoration of it -- is my story, and a story that never ceases to amaze me at the power of God's precepts. Thank you for walking me through it with your ongoing encouragement and prayer.

      Love you!!
      Julie

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    4. Julie, from the inception of your putting this beautiful story on paper, I believed in it so strongly as I felt it was one God would use to touch people mightily - bringing healing, restoration, forgiveness, & a closer relationship with Him. I'm even more inspired to know it touched Noela in such a beautiful way, just as it did me. You have blessed me richly by allowing me to read, & pray for, a book that was so divinely inspired by Him. Love you too!!

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  3. So excited about this new book by Julie Lessman! I can't wait to see how she writes a contemporary! And what a topic, I can only imagine she does a fabulous job with it! Did I mention excited? I love how she handles those tough subjects and does it so well! Nancycooks4u ( at ) gmail ( dot ) com

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    1. Hi Nancy, you have every reason to be excited!! ;) Julie has traveled from historic to contemporary so smoothly you barely even notice! What stands out is simply an exceptional story written as only Julie can!! All the best!

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    2. LOL ... you and me both, Nance!! And to be honest, I was scared to death that this novel would show me up for the old fogey I am with totally wrong dialogue and slang, so we shall see, I guess! Fortunately, I did a lot of research on modern slang words today and ran everything past my daughter, so I think I am good to go. :)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

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  4. NOELA, thank you for your compelling review. In many ways this story resonates with my own faith walk. I grew up in a beach community. My parents divorced after 32 years of marriage. I am believing for the restoration and healing of my family. I would LOVE to read ISLE OF HOPE.

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks so much Caryl, and thank you for sharing. I'm so sorry that happened to your family, I can only imagine how tough that would actually be. My prayers are with you for the restoration and healing of your family!! And I wish you all the best with your entry too! Hugs!

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    2. Gosh, Caryl, that makes me sad to hear about your parents' marriage, my friend, and I pray your own faith has helped to put some of the pain to rest. No question you and I have learned the hard way that bitterness and unforgiveness (which I believe is one of the primary roots of most divorces) will not only destroy relationships and marriages, but negatively affect future relationships and one's entire life as well. I would be interested in your feedback when you're done if you are so inclined.

      Good luck and happy reading (hopefully in between tears)!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    3. NOELA AND JULIE, the Lord used the divorce to bring my Daddy into a relationship with Him. Daddy's "ministry" was one of reconciliation. Daddy moved to Heaven in January of 2012. I am truly grateful to the Lord! After I read Isle of Hope, I'll post reviews. Hugs to you both!

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    4. Love your touching story of how God worked in your father's life, Caryl - thank you for sharing!! Isn't it wonderful when God uses our trials & mistakes to bring us healing & a closer relationship with Him?? I feel you will truly relate to 'Isle of Hope' when you read it - as I did - it will stir your emotions, give you hope & inspiration.

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  5. This sounds like a wonderfully inspiring book and one I would love to read. Thank you for notifying us about it and for posting such a lovely and helpful review.

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    1. You're so welcome, and thank you for your kind words, Hywela Lyn! It truly is an amazingly inspiring book and I so hope you get a chance to read it! Oh, please leave your email if you come back, Hywela, so that we can contact you if your name is chosen as the winner!

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    2. Thanks, Hywela, for coming by and for your interest. Here's hoping I can send you a e-signed copy!! :)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

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  6. Can't wait to read this book! Anxious to discover Julie's voice in a contemporary setting. castfalk(at)Verizon(dot)net

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    1. I was curious about that too, Carolyn! I knew I'd love it, but it really excited me to finally read it! :) Hope you get to find out for yourself soon! God bless!!

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    2. Thanks, Carolyn, although I will admit I get a wee bit nervous at the prospect of young gals like you reading it, but here's hoping my daughter saved the day with her input! :)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
      Julie

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  7. Julie Lessman is one of those authors that can capture your heart and minds with anything she writes! I love your words, Noela - Punchy, passionate, and powerful! Yes! That is it! And this will be her first contemporary novel for me! Yay! I look forward to it. Thank you! justcommonly [at] gmail [dot] com

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    1. You're gonna absolutely LOVE it, Annie!! :) Julie has a beautiful gift with her writing, which is evident in all her books, but I think especially so in this one! I reckon those 'P' words describe Julie's writing to a 'T' as well, lol. And I reckon God dropped the 'punchy' one in my head while I was reading 'Isle of Hope' because that's just ONE of the times I had to grab the notebook to jot something down! :)

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    2. Just Commonly, thank you SO much for your kind comment AND for agreeing to be part of Sydney Anderson's blog tour. You have already received the PDF, correct?

      And, Noela, I gotta tell you that your notebook jots made me smile because that's exactly what I do when I read a line in an author's book that I love, so THANK YOU for the compliment, my friend. :)

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    3. Thanks Noela. I'm sure I will. It's actually my next read! You're making me laugh more with your phrases! I always have my phone and post-it tags around to note! I take a photo of the area I want to take notes later, and on print copies, I love my post-it tags. Sometimes it looks like it's the whole BOOK was tag. Julie's books have that effect on me. =)

      And Julie, yes, Sydney's Singing Librarian Blog tour for Isle of Hope is coming up! I did receive the PDF and the graphics for the tour. Thank you for commenting. I always appreciate authors who takes time to respond to us readers/fans.

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    4. Looks like Noela, Julie, Just Commonly, & I have note-taking, while reading, in common (no pun intended, Just Commonly, lol). As with Just Commonly - I usually take more notes on Julie's books than on some other authors; she packs so much wonderful passion, sub-plots, & beautiful quotes within hers. Adding to it is my tendency to be a long-winded "talker/writer", lol.

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    5. Tell me about it Bonnie! I do tend to ramble on...

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  8. Dear Sweet Noela --

    Okay, THIS is how I want to wake up every - single - morning, with a jaw-gaping review that makes me cry BEFORE I put on my eye makeup!! WOW, girl, your review moved me SO much that even I want to buy this book!!

    Seriously, Noela, I am beyond touched by your beautiful review and humbled to hear the effect IOH had on you. Frankly, that's the effect it had on me, too, but I thought I was just being my usual weepy CDQ self. :)

    I cannot thank you and OWG (Carrie, Diana, Teresa, Bonnie, YOU!) enough for your support of my work and ESPECIALLY treasured friendships that have blessed me over and above any book I may have written.

    Love and appreciate you ALL more than I can say!!

    HUGS and more HUGS!!
    Julie

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    1. Aw Julie, thanks so much!! I wouldn't mind waking up seeing such encouraging words like you've written, as well. ;) I doubt myself a lot when writing, and I shouldn't really, because I do put prayer behind it all! I'm really blessed that you were touched by the review. And I thank you again, for writing this book!! I'll always be grateful to you and God for your ministry. This is one book I will definitely be getting in ppb for the bookshelves!!! Hugs and much love!

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    2. What??? You doubt yourself??? HA!! Then you are a born writer, my friend, which is MORE than obvious from this beautifully written review.

      Hugs!!
      Julie

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    3. We are GLAD to be your supporters, Julie, and I "found" you via our very own OWG team!!! Diana and Teresa raved about your work so much that I just had to read you books! Then I had a Julie binge lol!!! And I've loved all your stories! Congrats on this new release!!!

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  9. Girlfriend, do you have a clue how beautifully you write?! Wow! What an amazing review that actually has me salivating b/c I want to read this book so badly. I have it on my Kindle but am on a deadline for an endorsement for Charisma House, so will have to wait until I finish that one. {{Groan}} Awesome review, NOELA!!

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    1. Oh that's gotta be torture dear Diana, in having to wait to read Julie's book!! Hehe sorry for making you salivate... swallow that spit! :D My friend, if I write well, it is God doing it through me. That's all I can say!! But I do thank you for your gracious words. Hugs, and well done on the opportunity to write an endorsement!

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    2. Agreed, Diana!! Not many reviews of my books make even ME want to buy it, but this one did, but then you OWG ladies have a knack for that, you know? I swear Carrie must have a writing litmus test when she brings reviewers on because you guys are THE BEST!!

      LOL ... "swallow that spit" ... yep, yet another example of Noela's mastery of words! ;)

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    3. I cracked up at that remark! I mean one would think with her mastery of words she would have at least used saliva! haha I swallowed, but it came back every time I thought about this story and promoted it on my timeline. Too much information. Lol

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    4. Haha Diana & Julie... You must know I couldn't resist when Diana started talking about salivating!! Too funny! :)

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    5. LOL Diana, I knew what you meant! JULIE we don't let Diana get too close to the litmus paper in case of...you know...the salivary glands and all that lol ;) ;) But YES, I do have the Holy Spirit who has guided me and the team as we've been blessed by great reviewers. Thank you, Julie, for all YOUR support of my books, too!!! You are such a blessing to me and I am so touched by your continued help on my author journey!!! Hugs!!!

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  10. Hooray! I love Julie's book and can hardly wait to read this one.

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    1. Thanks, Karen, I hope it touches you as much as writing it touched me!

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

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    2. I felt exactly the same Karen, I hope you get to read Julie's amazing book, soon!! :) All the best!

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  11. Oh my Noela, what an amazing review! Each book of Julie's I have read has touched my heart and emotions and this one sounds like it will do the same. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
    Blessings, Tina
    tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. Gosh, Tina, thanks SO much for your kind comment and especially for reading my books in the first place -- I appreciate it more than I can say.

      Hugs and here's to a win!
      Julie

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    2. Bless you Tina, and thanks! You better believe it that this one will rock your world!! :) I'm looking forward to you reading it too, so all the best!

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  12. Thanks, Noela for writing such a great review! I was looking forward to the release of this book before, now I really can`t wait! Your review expressed what I have always felt about Julie`s books. That not only do they pull you in with a wonderful story that involve a wide range of emotions, They also give you a feeling of hope and inspiration.

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    1. Thanks Lynne! Lynne, you really have described Julie's writing so perfectly!! That's exactly what you'll get from this one, too!! :) Hey Lynne, if you come back could you leave your email so we can contact you should you come up as the winner. Thanks!

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    2. Aw, Lynne, you are SUCH a blessing, my friend, and I cannot wait to see what you think of IOH! Let me know, okay? And hopefully I can send you an e-signed copy when you win on this blog, eh?

      Hugs and more hugs!
      Julie

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    3. lynnefeuerstein@aol.com
      Hi,Noela, Above is my E-mail that you requested,in case you have to contact me.I also wanted to say thanks Noela and Julie for the very nice comments you sent me,they mean alot to me!

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  13. I love reading Julie's books and am excited to see what this next novel will be like :D This review made me want to read it more haha. It looks like it'll be another good story about God and healing :)

    starlight059(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You betcha' it is, 'Starlight'! And a page-turner right from the beginning, promising an exciting book all the way through! Hope you get to read it soon!! Blessings!

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    2. Starlight, Noela's reviews have that effect, don't they? Gosh ... I hope the book lives up to it!! :|

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

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  14. Thank you for a great review about a great book.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks Melanie, and thanks for coming by! God bless you, and all the best!!

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    2. Thanks for coming by, Mel, and I agree it's a "great" review, but we'll reserve judgment on the "great" book till you read it, HOPEFULLY winning it here! :)

      Hugs and Good luck!
      Julie

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  15. So thankful for God's unfailing love. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  16. I'm so glad to read Noela's review and see that she gave it 5 shining stars! I'm a big fan of Julie's books so like to read everything she publishes. Isle of Hope is a different direction for her books, since it is contemporary and she usually writes historical fiction. I had confidence she could pull it off but it's nice to get confirmation from someone else that this book meets or even exceeds what we are used to from Julie. I am really looking forward to reading Isle of Hope so I'd love to win. Thanks for the review and the chance to win.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Haha I'd almost forgotten I'd given this book 5 'shining' stars!! :) That was definitely a first but seemed so appropriate! Yep, Julie absolutely pulled it off going from historical to contemporary, exceptionally well too!! Can't wait for you to read it Pam, so all the best with your entry!

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    2. Hey, Pam, thanks for coming by, my friend, and not only is this a "different direction" with the contemporary genre, but it's as much a women's fiction novel as it is romance, so that's another departure from my usual fare.

      BUT, I'm hoping there will be enough of the weepy CDQ in there to make it familiar. :)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

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  17. Wonderful review, Noela. I would certainly love to win and read this book!
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you so much Betti! I would absolutely LOVE you to win and read this amazing book by Julie, too! All the best and God bless!

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    2. Hey, Betti, trust me -- I'd "love" to see you win and read this book, too, so here's to a win!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  18. It looks like a great book! ohiohomeschool at gmail dot com

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    1. Certainly is, 'OhioHomeschool'!! I hope you get to read it soon, too!! :)

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    2. Thanks, Ohiohomeschool ... fingers crossed that you get to find our first hand with a win, eh?

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
      JULIE

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  19. I too am excited to read Julie's first venture into the contemporary genre--and from Noela's review I know I will not be disappointed by this book. I can't wait to get my hands on it! Congrats Julie for job well done and also to Noela for once again writing a wonderful review that draws us in, creating an even stronger desire to read Julie's book.
    Vicki
    Also, thanks Julie for giving us the opportunity to win this fabulous book! ;-)

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    1. Thanks, Vicki, for your interest in IOH -- GOSH, I hope it doesn't disappoint. It has VERY big shoes to fill after Noela's glowing review, so fingers crossed!! :)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!

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    2. Haha I love your tag name 'Where is Jon and Vicki'! Where indeed in the world are you atm Vicki? :) Reminds me of 'Where's Wally?' lol! Glad you enjoyed the review and I KNOW you will love Julie's venture into the contemporary world!! Yes, a big thanks to Julie for so generously donating TWO books for giveaway! All the best in your chance to win one!

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    3. Noela--I'm not too far from you right now--I'm in New Zealand for 1 more week--then can you believe it? I'm home for 3 weeks! (possibly longer--haven't decided yet if I will go with him to Colorado for the 3 weeks before Christmas--especially since we have a new grandbaby due Christmas Day (or sooner...). I started this blog site when we 1st started traveling, but haven't kept up with it for awhile. :-(

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  20. This is definitely a book on my TBR pile, I have only heard fantastic things about it!

    Thanks for the chance to win, Lientjie

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

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    1. Lientjie ... in case I have never told you ... you have a beautiful name!

      Thanks for coming by, and THANK YOU for putting IOH on your TBR list -- I hope you enjoy it.

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK in the contest,
      Julie

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    2. I can't even imagine anyone saying anything other glowing comments about this new book of Julie's because it really is everything that it's said to be!! Enjoy whenever you get to read it, Lientje! God bless!

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  21. JULIE, I just want to take a moment to THANK YOU for being such a gracious, generous, and beautiful person... Not only for ALL your thoughtful and kind comments, and the generosity of giving away two books to our readers, but also just for being you!! And of course for all the hard work, tears, prayers, and heart, that you've put into a book that will touch so many people! God bless you! We all love you so much!!

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    1. Amen, amen - so beautifully stated, Noela - thank you!! Love Julie, love her books - and vice versa; I love her transparency, inspiration, beauty, and love of God in both her writing and her personal life. Each book/novella she writes is always such a testimony for Him, yielding blessings to her readers!! Thank you, Julie - for being obedient and letting Him use you to inspire your readers, and for always going "above and beyond' in your support of OWG!!

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  22. As several of y'all have commented, I love the transparency of Julie's writing. So many of her characters--Faith, Charity, Steven, Emma...--include pieces of her own life and personal growth, and I find it amazing that she can share herself like that through her characters and their stories. The faith in each story is so poignant and encouraging, and it encourages me in my own.

    I would LOVE to hop into the giveaway for Isle of Hope!!

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    1. Oops! Forgot my email addy: sclaucheATgmailDOTcom :)

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    2. We all have so much we can share and impart into others lives, and it's a wonderful blessing that Julie can use her gift of writing to be so encouraging and inspiring to so many!! Thank you so much for your comment, Sarah, and thanks for hopping by with your entry! :) Blessings!

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    3. Wow, Sarah, thank you SO much for your kind words! It's true that every problem characters face in my books have their roots in my own personal experience -- some more than others. For instance, the heroine's estranged relationship with her father and subsequent restoration in Isle of Hope is basically my story with my own dad, so it was very therapeutic to write. And I hope it blesses others as much as God has blessed me with my own father, now deceased.

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK, my friend!
      Julie

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  23. All I have to say is - It's Julie Lessman. Enough said. Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. Yep, nuff said. Say no more! :) Great to see you Loraine, all the best in winning one of these terrific books of Julie's!!

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    2. LOL, Loraine ... that made me smile ear-to-ear, darlin', so BLESS YOU!! Uh ... hope you still think that AFTER you read IOH, so do let me know if you like it, okay? And if not ... uh, well ... never mind. ;)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

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    3. Amen, Loraine - Julie would find a way to make a phone book compelling, lol!! You're going to be extra blessed while reading 'Isle of Hope'!!

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  24. Sounds like a great book! Nice review. :)
    I'd love to win a copy!
    blessedmama at gmail dot com

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    1. It sure is, Blessed Mama!! Thanks, and hey, perhaps you'll be an even greater blessed mama should you win!!

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    2. Well now, BlessedMama ... anybody with a name like that SHOULD win a copy, so here's hoping I can send you a winner's copy of Isle of Hope. BUT ... if you don't win here, my friend, come back tomorrow for a whole new chance on Bonnie Roof's review of IOH, okay? And also check out my website calendar for additional opportunities to win.

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
      Julie

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  25. Looking foward to checking this book out from the library. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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    1. Hey, Kim, unfortunately since I have published it myself, it won't be in the library system, but if you don't have an ereader, did you know you can download a free Kindle app for PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Droid? And Amazon has TONS of free books you can download, from Christian fiction to classics, so it's well worth it to download this app.

      Or you can wait till the paperback (which I hope to release in November -- just decided this) gets sold as used by Amazon vendors for as little as a few cents, but that probably won't be for a while. :)

      Hugs!
      JULIE

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  26. I don't believe people realize the importance of forgiveness in our lives and I think it is one of the hardest things we will ever try to do. It only comes with the help of God. This was a fantastic review and makes me want to read this fantastic book. Thank you for the chance to win. spotts06 at comcast dot net

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    1. Boy, Stella, NO KIDDING!! I think the Christian community would be SHOCKED to learn how often we Christians harbor unforgiveness that we may not even be aware of!

      I will tell you that this book hits forgiveness HARD because it's true and happened to me with my dad. So much so that I have had a number of people tell me it challenged their thinking on forgiveness.

      Author Beth Vogt, who endorsed IOH, said, "Be prepared to question your beliefs about forgiveness," and another endorser, Denise Hunter, called it "Emotionally captivating and spiritually challenging," so I'm sure there will be readers who get angry at me over it. But then, I'm used to that ... ;)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
      Julie

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    2. Stella, amen to that... As to the importance, and as to how hard it can be!! It surely has to be a supernatural thing, and especially is certain circumstances. PTL for Julie and her book that hits the subject hard on the head, without just quoting platitudes.Bless you Stella and all the best with your entry!!

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  27. God can forgive us for our sins so why is it hard to ask others for forgiveness?
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hey Janet, I think pride enters in, which is not a vice God has, thank God! :) But the more we try to emulate Jesus, the easier it becomes to forgive, so praise God for that!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    2. Wise words, Julie, and well said! Thanks for coming by Janet, all the best!!

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  28. Can't wait to read this new book by Julie!!! Have been looking for a hole in my schedule so I can curl up and read!!! Great review, Noela, as usual! Thanks so much! Thank you to Julie for the giveaway, too! Waiting for a Julie book is like anticipating a terrific event and you just want to savor it fully, because when it is done you have to wait again for the next fantastic event (in this case a book!)

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    1. Hey Carrie, thanks mate!! I hope you can find that hole and when you do, make it a nice, deep, cozy one too, because it'll be hard to climb out once you get started on Julie's book!! ;) I'm frothing just thinking about Julie's next one too!!

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    2. Gosh, Carrie, as busy as you are, my friend, I don't know how you even find time to read!! But I'm anxious to see what you think because it's a book that truly talks about "overcoming with God." :)

      Love you, my friend!
      Hugs,
      Julie

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  29. What a splendid review of Julie's book!
    I am anxious to read her book.
    I always wanted her to write a contemporary book even though I love her historical fiction!
    Keep on keeping on for the Lord, Julie, with your writing talent!!!!

    Many Blessings and Smiles :) :) :)
    Charlotte
    charlovesmark ( at ) Gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Charlotte -- I appreciate your kind words and encouragement more than I can say! Many blessings and smiles right back to you, my friend, along with a win! :)

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    2. Sending blessings and smiles to you too, Charlotte! :) Thank you for coming by and like Julie said, thank you also for your kind words! All the best, Charlotte!!!

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  30. I love a book that teaches while stirring emotions. I read a lot of books on forgiveness. Obviously I still have a lot of learning to do. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com

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    Replies
    1. We all do, Jan, which is why God impressed this subject on my hard so strongly, I suspect -- He doesn't want His Church to be encumbered with bitterness or unforgiveness.

      Hugs and good luck!
      Julie

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