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| Isle of Hope By Julie Lessman |
Isle of Hope By Julie Lessman
Julie Lessman, Nov. 2015
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars!~
To Error Is Human - To Forgive Is Divine
Author Julie Lessman takes the reader on a poignant, impassioned roller coaster ride to the picturesque coastal community of Isle of Hope, Georgia—where full moons rise over the marsh and the scents of wisteria and pungent, salty sea water permeate the summer nights. A sleepy haven where charming cottages are nestled next to lush plantations, but wherein lies a plethora of secrets.
Wild girl, Lacey Carmichael, is back in town after an eight year absence—setting off a dramatic chain of events like ripples in a stream. Kicked out of her home by her cardiac surgeon father when she was eighteen, Lacey turned her back on everyone who loved her. Now she is back to make amends and show her father, friends, and Dr. Jack O'Bryen, her ex-boyfriend—that she is a changed woman by the grace of God. But the price of forgiveness does not come cheap as further bridges of betrayal are still smoldering after an adulterous affair by Jack's pastor father, destroying Jack's faith. Is there any hope for reconciliation after simmering, bitter emotions have lain buried below the surface all these years?
There's never been any doubt in my mind that Julie Lessman is la crème de la crème of sizzling romance, but this novel simply blew me away! Not just because there was plenty of romantic tension (which there was!), but the message of forgiveness and redemption interwoven throughout was so powerfully anointed that I had quite the relationship with my tissue box. I found my emotions running the gamut as I laughed at the characters' playful quips and antics, shed many a gut-wrenching tear, and was so mad at the audacity of even thinking that an adulterous affair could be labeled under the "forgiveness" category! Rude awakening for me...sin is sin. And speaking of rude, Lacey's father (aka Dr. Doom)...ugh, don't even let me go there! Julie Lessman lured me into this fabulous tale of romance, second chances, and healing—and captured me hook, line, and sinker. Isle of Hope is a masterpiece of a novel filled with hope and inspiration—raw, real life situations and characters, and of course, Julie's trademark twists and turns! Be sure to grab your copy today!
GIVEAWAY: Julie Lessman is generously providing an ebook copy of Isle of Hope to one blessed commenter!! To be eligible please leave your email addy written (at) and (dot) to prevent spammers. Drawing Sun. Nov. 29th!
I agree Diana, Julie writes some heartwarming, powerful books. This one sounds really great too.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Tina
TINA, Julie outdid herself on this one! Wow! 'Course she always does!
DeleteThanks, Tina, for your kind words -- I hope you enjoy if you read it, so hopefully you'll win it here!!
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
Your review is smokin' hot! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks! So is this book, ANNE! Have you read it yet!? If not, stock up on tissues!
DeleteLOL, ANNE ... I'd say it's more "smokin' hot" spiritually than romantically, but yes, there is a little bit of that too ... ;)
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!!
JULIE
Right, ANNE, a little bit. We're talking Julie Lessman here. wink wink
DeleteLove how you wrote that you had a relationship with your tissue box! :-) Awesome review Diana on Julie's outstanding 'Isle of Hope' story!! I'm hanging out to get it in paperback, I know it'll be a book I'll go back to often... Not just for the exquisite story but also for all the golden nuggets of wisdom and God-inspired insights on forgiveness and relationships!!
ReplyDeleteCan I go back and add that last line to my review, please? ;) Thanks, NOELA, for your kind words! SO many nuggets...I should have taken notes! As far as my tissue box it stayed by my side the whole time -- never leaving me nor forsaking me in my time of need! LOL
DeleteGosh, NOELA, I really appreciate your planning to buy the paperback ... that way I know I'll sell at least one! :) And GOOD NEWS on the paperback front! Originally CreateSpace told me it would be $17.73 per paperback, and I about freaked out (okay, I DID freak out!!) and then prayed about it and contacted CS. Found out with a few distribution changes, I could get the price down to $13.49, which is $1.50 cheaper than my Revell books were selling for, so YAY!!! With 520 pages, it is HUGE, trust me, but it looks really nice. The only thing that bothers me is the cover stock that CreateSpace uses -- it's a tiny bit flimsier than I would like, but SIGH ... nothing's perfect with indie pubbing, I guess. :(
DeleteIf you need a signed bookplate for that when you buy it, Noela, just let me know, okay?
Hugs and more hugs!
Julie
Hugs!!
Julie
Your awesome review makes me want this book and some coupons to buy extra boxes of tissues!
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950 (at) gmail (dot) com
Lol, CONNIE! If you can make it through this book w/out tissues you are a stronger person than me! Get ready for a joyful, angst-filled ride, CONNIE!
DeleteI agree, CONNIE -- Diana's review had ME wanting to buy the book, and as far as Kleenex?? I went through more than 30 when I proofed this baby, but I thought it was just me ... ;)
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!
JULIE
DIANA, thank you for this incredible review! With my tissues close by, I am ready for the exciting journey to ISLE OF HOPE. From what I read, ALL Julie Lessman books are KEEPERS.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed they are, CARYL! Thank you so much and get ready for the ride of your life (tissues in hand, of course!) You'll also need them to wipe away tears of laughter as well!
DeleteWell, CARYL, I certainly would like to think so, but I'm sure there are a few one-star reviewers on Amazon who would beg to differ! :) My readers tend to be as passionate as I am, both spiritually and romantically, so it's a good match. :)
DeleteMmm ... maybe I should provide everyone who buys it a box of Kleenex and some Lindt chocolate truffles -- the heroine's obsession!
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
Julie
This review makes me want to go out and buy a box of new tissues in order to be ready to read this book. I like to read about people in different parts of the country. Whereas I have several relatives living in Georgia, I don't know where Isle of Hope is, but I would love to read the book. kayewhitney (at) bellsouth (dot) net
ReplyDeleteHi, KAYE! I think I have upped the tissue sales with my review! haha There's a lot of funny scenes, too, but intermittently I was a sobbing mess.
DeleteHey, KAYE -- boy, are YOU in for a treat when you learn about Isle of Hope, GA!! I didn't even know it existed, but God did! I prayed about a new location for my new series, and I knew I wanted a locale on the Eastern Seaboard. I already did Boston in The Daughters of Boston series, so I went further south. Since I've always been in love with Savannah, I looked on a map and GASPED when I saw Isle of Hope!!! It's actually a peninsula that becomes an island when the tide comes in, and it's only 15 mins. from Savannah. It's so charming and inviting, that several movies have been filmed there, including Forrest Gump, The Last Song, and the original Cape Fear. It has a rich Civil War history and a wonderful Low-Country Intracoastal magic about it, so I fell in love with it as does everyone who visits, from what I'm told. And since my novel is about hope restored, well, I just figured God hand-picked this destination for my book. :)
DeleteGood luck in the contest, and I hope you get to travel to Isle of Hope, either for vacation OR thru my book!
Hugs!
Julie
Funny Diana! I also had a lovely relationship with my tissue box while reading Isle of Hope! Who doesn't! I love how you show your emotions on your review! Yes, let it ALL out! =)
ReplyDeleteLOL! You're so funny, ANNIE! Thanks for dropping by! :)
DeleteLOL, ANNIE, I'm pretty partial to weepy emotional types like Diana and you, so bring on the Kleenex!! Like I told Connie above, I went through more than 30 when I proofed this baby, but I truly thought it was just me because the story is loosely based on my past. I hoped I could bring a tear to readers' eyes, of course, but I wasn't sure it would. Good to know it's touched other weepy readers like myself ... ;)
DeleteAnd thanks again, my friend, for you own wonderful review and for being part of my blog tour. One of the greatest blessings of that whole experience was getting to know YOU as well as Sydney, Carrie, and the others. :)
Hugs and more hugs!!
Julie
Thanks Diana! Love how in sync we are. Lol.
DeleteThanks Julie. It's been such a pleasure and honor to know and chat with you too!
I also loved this book. I can't wait to return to the Isle of Hope for her next book.
ReplyDeleteMe either, DAWN!!!
DeleteThanks SO much, Dawn, not only for the WONDERFUL review you posted, but for allowing me to put you in my book. Wish it could have been a less controversial character, but I'm believing she came to Christ ... :)
DeleteHugs!!
Julie
Julie it's ok. I don't mind at all.
DeleteDIANA!!! LOL ... I am STILL grinning over your lines: "Not just because there was plenty of romantic tension (which there was!), but the message of forgiveness and redemption interwoven throughout was so powerfully anointed that I had quite the relationship with my tissue box."
ReplyDeleteThat is priceless, girl, and I'm gonna use that quote if you don't mind. Heck, I could use the ENTIRE review because it's THAT good!!! I can't thank you enough for your incredible support, my friend, and for such a FABULOUS review!! Just when I think you OWG gals can't top the last one, you do and blow me away AGAIN!!!
I also smiled at your line about "a rude awakening," because trust me, that's what I had in store for me when the gal who brought me to Christ told me I needed to not only forgive and pray for my own father, but "put feet to my prayers" as well by going over to his house with homemade beef stew (his favorite) over and over again, despite his coldness and lack of speech or love. But I gotta tell you, NEVER did I expect God to turn that relationship around like he did, healing both me and my dad in the process. Forgiveness WORKS, and that's what this book is all about, which may well be a "rude awakening" to others like me as well, who may still have bitterness in their hearts and not even know it.
Thank you again, Diana -- you have blessed me beyond measure, and I am truly grateful for this review and your friendship.
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
Thank you, JULIE! I wondered if there was anything I could say that the other reviewers didn't (I guess I did - haha), but thankfully I couldn't remember what they wrote when I started my review. Old age does have its rewards. lol Sooo I just wrote from my heart and I'm glad you enjoyed the review. But I so hope that many will go to Amazon and order this novel bc forgiveness is key to having a victorious life. I did not know that Tess and Lacey's tactics had already been used by you. That made me tear up even more! I am the truly grateful one, Julie. Your books and the person you are have been a light in my life. Thank you for that.
DeleteOh, Diana - such a beautiful, touching review, and now you've got me reaching for tissues - even though my physical therapist is due to ring my doorbell any minute. Thank you - I think, lol!! I'm always such a blubbering mess when it comes to the emotion in Julie's books, but 'Isle of Hope' took me over the emotional edge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ReplyDelete(Therapy now completed - I've returned to finish my comments:) Only Julie knows how much 'Isle of Hope' has played with my emotions and spiritually inspired me - from the moment she first mentioned it's storyline to me. We share mutual past raw life experiences, as well as being blessed with hope, forgiveness, and emotional and spiritual healing through the same loving God Lacey Carmichael and Jack O'Bryen found during their trials. I've prayed, from it's inception, God would use 'Isle of Hope' to give hope, forgiveness, and healing to many readers in their troubled relationships - and draw them to a closer relationship with Him, the ultimate Healer of all life's problems. It's a book that will inspire and speak to the hearts of all readers, regardless of how healthy their personal relationships with man and God may be.
Thank you, Julie, for heeding His call in the writing of 'Isle of Hope' - and publishing it yourself, rather than deleting any of it's powerful message. As you've commented: "it's God's book"!! (And no, I wasn't able to complete my comments before reaching for more tissues, lol).
LOL, BONNIE ... and this is only ONE of a gazillion reasons I love you, my sweet friend -- your weepy nature that soooo matches mine!! :) Praying your therapy went well ...
DeleteAnd rest assured that as soon as IOH is available for purchase in paperback, the first ones I order will have YOUR name on them ... uh, and IN them ... so don't forget to check out the acknowledgements, okay? ;)
LOVE the line: "'Isle of Hope' took me over the emotional edge ..." LOL ... another keeper quote to go in my file along with Diana's Kleenex box one ... :)
Love you guys to piecses!!
Hugs,
Julie
Acknowledgements?? You definitely want me to remain a "weepy mess" - don't you, Julie, lol?? However, no problem - all tears are therapeutic and joyful ones when it comes to your kindness, generosity, encouragement, prayers and inspiring, spiritually insightful writing!! Thank you - love you, sweet friend!!
DeleteOk, BONNIE! You made my eyes tear up again at your kind and inspirational comments. I think I may have to drag out another box of you know whats after reading these touching comments! Yes, I agree about the tears being therapeutic. I felt sooo clean after reading Julie's book. I even loved ole Dr. Doom! Actually I found him quite "hot!" LOL
DeleteYes, Diana, Dr. Doom won me over also - by book's end. Can't wait to read the continuation of his story in the rest of the series. Would you believe in the original manuscript he was even more (I'll be nice and use the word:) "unfriendly" - before Julie "toned him down"?? (I'm not giving away any trade secrets as she's mentioned it in other of her online posts). Only God, via Julie's writing gift, could turn a reader's dislike for a book's character - into love. I appreciate your comments!!
DeleteLOL, Diana and Bonnie -- I happen to think Dr. Doom is pretty "hot" myself, and apparently so do my readers because many of the reviews I'm getting suggest that. :)
DeleteI just had a reader ask me who I pictured to play Tess and Ben, and right off the top of my head I said Rachel McAdams and a young Kevin Costner. :)
Hugs!'
Julie
Good choices, Julie!! I've always enjoyed Kevin's acting, he does portray stern looks nicely in some of his movies - but also has a cute endearing grin. Rachel McAdams won me over with her sweetness and vulnerability in the first of her movies I saw: 'The Notebook'. No surprise Dr. Doom went from "unfriendly" to "hot" - in the eyes of the reader - when even his creator, the "Queen of Romance", is enamored with his charms, lol!!
DeleteYou toned him down, JULIE?!! (gasp!) Oh, how I love the Tess and Ben storyline. Kevin Costner would be good, but I picture him a bit more rugged. Of course, Kevin was pretty rugged in Dances With Wolves so maybe... Doctors have to maintain a pretty fair amount of clean cut looks (especially surgeons) so that leaves out a young Sam Elliott! ha!
DeleteO Bonnie, I simply could hug you right now. You, Diana and Julie are so funny!
DeleteI always have an image of characters I read and yes, I too love Dr. Doom & Tess. I was actually imagining a younger Sean Connery as Dr. Doom. (Can't help it, Bonds fan)!
I've loved getting to know you, dear ANNIE (Just Commonly) - sending you a hug!! Perhaps one day I'll have the honor of meeting you and delivering it in person. I so love "razzing" both Diana and Julie - each is such a wonderful godly woman with a tremendous sense of humor. We so appreciate your support of OWG, the sharing of our posts, and your love of Christian writing!! Thank you!!
DeleteYes, I'm with Bonnie! We love and appreciate your support of OWG, ANNIE! You're such a delight!
DeleteBonnie, thank you for you kind words!
Ooooo, ANNIE ... a younger James Bond sounds pretty nice to me, as does Sam Elliott, Diana. And, LOL, yes I toned him WAY down because my agent didn't like him, but I sure did. I just LOVE the grouchy silent types where still waters run deep (aka Mitch Dennehy, Nick Barone, and now Dr. Doom).
DeleteHugs!!
Julie
Hmm... would you be speaking of Nick Barone (long "e")? hehe Yep, he was the brooding hero for sure! I didn't like the toned down Dr. Doom. Now I'm totally infatuated. lol
DeleteWOW Diana! Yet another review that is a masterpiece! Every time you review a book, it makes me want to read it even more! I SO love Julie and her books because they are so real and transparent, as is she when she writes her blogs or does interviews. I think this book will be one that a lot of people will be able to relate to. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeletebookwarp(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh, ANGI! You are such a sweetie pie! We all have had people in our lives we have had to forgive or had to ask their forgiveness, and that's what makes this book so easy to relate to. You're in for a nice surprise when you get the chance to read this one, ANGI! A nice looong surprise. LOL Actually I got so caught up in the story I had no clue this book was over 500 pgs. It took me only a week to read and that was mostly reading during the evening.
DeleteOH AWESOME! A 500 page book from Julie? I LOVE THAT! :)
DeleteTry 520, ANGI! lol
DeleteThanks, ANGI, and I'm sure hoping this a book that a lot of people will relate to because God sure changed my life when He taught me the lessons within this book over 43 years ago, and it's never failed me yet. :)
DeleteAnd the paperback actually has about 520 pages, but some of those are endorsements and Letter to the Reader, Biography, listing of my books ... oh, and acknowledgements, Bonnie Roof! ;)
Hugs,
Julie
JULIE: how you like to tease and throw those unexpected twists of yours!! My excitement is building, although some people are probably wondering how I could become even more excited than I already am re: 'Isle of Hope', lol!!
DeleteI've read several reviews of ISLE OF HOPE that said this was Julie's best book yet, so I know it has to be really terrific. I've read and enjoyed all her other books. It will be interesting to read her first contemporary work. Thanks for this chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteIt would be hard for me to pick a favorite "Julie" book, PAM. Every one I read I always say it's her best one yet! lol Even though there is some modern language that wasn't used in her historicals, this is still vintage Julie all the way!
DeleteHey, PAM, yeah, I'm actually kind of shocked that some people are saying that because the honest truth is I really didn't think so. I mean, I wanted it to be because the message is so personal and so important, but the first couple of times I read through it, I didn't feel that way although Miss Bonnie Roof kept telling me otherwise! I just figured Bonnie and I are so very similar with our emotions and hurts in our past, that she identified with it a lot, which is why she thought it was my best. So I hope you like it, too.
DeleteLOL, Diana ... how 'bout you just say this is your favorite of all my contemporaries ... ;)
Hugs and GOOD LUCK, Pam -- would love to send this to you, my friend!
Julie
JULIE: Yes, I do relate personally to 'Isle of Hope' in a big way - because of my painful past and emotions. However, I get a special "hard to describe" feeling each time I read 'Isle of Hope' - over and above the personal connection. Each book you've written is anointed from God, but I feel He gave this one an extra dose. I've read reviews revealing how He is using it to warm, inspire, and open reader's hearts and eyes with more awareness, understanding, and empathy towards those with troubled pasts and relationships - while planting those "seeds" for healing one's self and relationships, for others. He has gifted you with great emotion, passion, and love for others - which He uses to convey His messages to readers through your writing; His grace, love, hope, peace, healing, forgiveness, and restoration for all-comes through in a powerful way.
DeleteDiana, I will start with thanking you for another outstanding, enchanting and intense review. You had me in tears just reading your review, so I can just imagine what Julie's book will do to me.
ReplyDeleteJulie, you will be a new author for me, I will add this book to my Kindle collection whether I win it or buy it myself.
What a storyline! It will definitely be a book that I will want to stay with once I start it which will be an event in itself. Julie, you are presenting me with a challenge here. I am also looking forward to getting to know you a bit, because reading someone's book(s) is like taking a peek inside of their hearts as well. Joyce - Heart"wings"
joyce1510(dot)jrg(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh, JOYCE! To know Julie is to love her! She was our first Angel's Heart Award recipient here on our blog and she received a lovely angel heart pin. Julie not only writes wonderful books, but she has such a lovely heart and all of her reader fans love her. I'm so glad you are able to get a bit acquainted with her here and I so hope you'll be able to read this book or any of her others ASAP. Thank you for your always kind words!
DeleteP.S. Yes, sweetie. Be prepared to cry. lol Happy tears, sad tears, and angry tears!
DeleteHi Joyce! You MUST add Julie to your must read author list. I love every one of her books that I've read. You'll love it too! This is Annie JC by the way. ;)
DeleteThank you, ANNIE JC, for your support of Julie's books and our blog! Our viewers are very important to us and we care about the needs of each and every one.
DeleteJOYCE!!! Soooooo nice to meet you, my friend, and thank you SOOO much for the invite to your wonderful group -- I'm looking forward to getting to know you and the rest of the group.
DeleteAnd THANK YOU to Annie and Diana for their kind words and prompting to issue an invite to me for your group -- MUCH appreciated, my friends. :)
Joyce, I'll be talking to you soon in a FB message, okay?
Hugs!!
Julie
Well just about the time I was giving up on getting my desire back to read, I have not been renewed! Thanks for the prayers, Diana, and thanks for this great review that has me wanting to get reading this new novel of Julie's! Great review Angel Girl!!! I guess my dry spell is over and I can now enjoy reading books again!!! PTL!!!
ReplyDeleteWe almost all go through those dry spells, CARRIE. Especially when we get overly busy. So glad you got your reading "want to" back! Lol Once I got into this book it was all I could do to put it down! And just as in her last series, CARRIE, there's a chance of a romance between a more "mature" couple that I know you'll enjoy. Not bc we're older, just more mature. haha Thx, CARRIE!
DeleteOh, CARRIE, I had no idea you were in a reading slump, my sweet friend -- that would kill me, so I know how much it must have affected you! Glad you're coming out of it, though, and hoping you enjoy IOH!!
DeleteHUGS AND MORE HUGS!!!
Julie
Thank you, Diana for this wonderful review. I love books that really move one's spirit and this sounds like it definitely does touch one - even to tears which I find are so cleansing and heart warming. I would love to win this book! Thanks again. Sr. Mary Lou flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMARY LOU, I so believe this one will really touch your heart. You are so tender-hearted and warm, I just know you'll be pulling for sweet Lacey all the way! Thank you!
DeleteHey, MARY LOU ... I love books that move me emotionally, too, especially when it's a spiritual emotion that draws me closer to God, the Love of our souls!!
DeleteThank you for your interest in Isle of Hope, and I'm hoping I can send you a winner's copy!! :)
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
Julie
Love the review. Thanks for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, KIM! Can you leave an email addy so in case you win we can contact you, pretty please, since we don't save them. Thanks!! :)
DeleteThanks, KIM, for coming by, and here's hoping it nets you a win, my friend, so GOOD LUCK!!
DeleteHUGS,
Julie
Cannot wait to read this book! This review just makes me more excited to read it!
ReplyDeletekutlesswjam2011(at)gmail(dot)com
I can't wait for you to have the opportunity, KUTLESSWJAM! Thx for stopping by!
DeleteKUTLESSWJAM2011, I totally agree -- Diana (and all the OWG angels) seem to have a knack for drawing people into a book with those people ever turning a page, and I am SO grateful for their talent and love.
DeleteHere's hoping there's a win in your future!
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
Julie
Thank you, JULIE! I never write a review w/out praying first and asking God to give me words, so all the credit and praise belong to Him.
DeleteWhat an incredible review, Diana!! I certainly would love to read this book now! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
Thank you, BETTI! Tossed your name in my cyber hat! ;) Good luck!
DeleteYAY, I am sooooo glad you came by to read Diana's review, because NOBODY can sell a book like Diana and the other OWG angels, so I am sooooo blessed for their support.
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!
Julie
Can't wait to read Julie's first contemporary!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
PATTY, it is the BoMb! You are in for a real treat! God bless!
DeleteHey, PATTY, I can't wait till you read it either! 😜
DeleteSeriously, I hope you win it here, girlfriend, so it will be SOON!!
Hugs & GOOD LUCK!!!
JULIE
Fantastic review! You've made me want to grab this book and devour it! Congratulations, Julie Lessman, on such a fine offering. And thank you, Diana, for whetting my appetite. (Can you tell it's lunch time?) kf1928(at)telus(dot)net.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, KATHLEEN! Glad to be of service. Lol This one will have you feasting for quite awhile since it's a wee bit over 500 pgs., but it's guaranteed to leave you satisfied.
DeleteKATHLEEN, Diana (and the whole OWG team, for that matter) are some of the BEST reviewers at "whetting" a reader's appetite, so I am not surprised. NOW ... if I can just live up to her fabulous review, we'll be golden!!! :)
DeleteHUGS & GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
I just love Julie Lessman´s books, they are the force to be reckoned with! And I could use some message od redemption and forgiveness!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, JANKA! Yes, they certainly are a force to be reckoned with! lol Wait til you read this one! Wow!
DeleteJANKA!!! Always love seeing your sweet name pop up, my friend -- thanks SO much for your kind words & for coming by. Hope I can send you the winner's copy, so GOOD LUCK, my friend.
DeleteHugs!!!
Julie
I can't wait to read this book!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi and welcome to OWG, BETHANY! I have a pretty niece named Bethany. Please come back and leave an email addy written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers. That way if I draw your name I can contact you and let you know! Thx and lotsa luck!!
DeleteLOL, BETHANY ... five exclamation points ... I like you already!!! ;) Thanks for your enthusiasm, my friend, and here's to a win!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
I absolutely adore all of Julie's books and would love to have this one :) your review is great, thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletedmoraru(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much, DANA! I'm with you -- they're all wonderful! Good luck in the giveaway.
DeleteI was thinking about this after I posted the comment and decided to come back and add a little more.
DeleteI was reading a really great book today (Sunsets by Robin Jones Gunn) and one of the reasons that I really loved the book was because the relationship the main character has with God is so realistic and relatable.. I feel like too many christain books have random passages plopped in books that feel preachy and forced and I avoid reading those books because I can't connect to them. But reading Sunsets made me remember Julie's books because she's another author that I have always enjoyed reading for not only the juicy parts but also the parts that talk about faith and a personal relationship with Christ. I love how the characters struggle with themselves and even with God because I can relate to them on a personal level. I remember reading about Faith and thinking that I was like her the most... And hating Charity. But now, (some five-six years later) it's almost eerie how well relate (through some unfortunate experiences) to Charity and what she went through to finally realize that being in the arms of Christ first is better than any guys arms (although I hope that I'll get those other arms as well someday ;)
Anyway, I didn't mean to make this so long... Just wanted to say what was in my mind. :)
Dear Dana, thank you SOOO much for your kind words AND especially your 2nd comment -- that brought a smile to my face, my friend, especially since I relate to Charity SO very much, too, and actually felt bad when people didn't like her. She grows more spiritually than anyone else in the series, and reminds me so much of me before Christ, so thank you for seeing her true self beneath the bitterness. :)
DeleteAnd thank you too, Dana, for what you said about my books having a spiritual connection because that is a passion of mine (along with the romantic passion), to convey the spiritual lessons I've learned the hard way through my characters. It's my prayer that maybe -- just maybe -- those lessons I learned will save others learning the hard way too. :)
God bless you, Dana, and here's to a win, my sweet friend.
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
DANA, thank you sharing that about Julie's books. Yes, the storylines are always entertaining, but the messages throughout can be life changing for so many! Because we're all human and all have issues.
DeleteI am so looking forward to reading this book. Can't wait!!
ReplyDeleteSTELLA!!!!! You HAVE to tell me how many times people have yelled your name out loud like in A Streetcar Named Desire??? I apologize for being only one of MANY who have done that! :)
DeleteI am "looking forward" to you reading it too, my friend, so here's to a win!! :)
Hugs,
Julie
Hi, STELLA! Hoping you get the chance to read Isle of Hope ASAP!
DeleteI would love to win this book. It definitely sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteEDWARD!! Sooooo great to see you here, my friend, and here's hoping it nets you a win. Would LOVE to send this book to you!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Thank you for coming by, EDWARD!
DeleteGreat sounding story! nice review, I need to read this one!
ReplyDeletedkstevensneAT outlookD otCom
Thx, DEANNA! Good luck to you!
DeleteCongrats, DANA! Random number has picked you as the winner of a copy of Isle of Hope! Thanks to all of you for your encouraging comments to Julie, and a special thank you to Julie Lessman for coming by and sweetly responding to all of them! We love you, Julie!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Thank you so much! I'm so excited to have won this book! Thank you for this opportunity Julie and Diana :) I can not wait to dive right in :D
DeleteI'm so sorry! I kept checking my email and I don't see anything and I realized that I left out two characters! My correct email is dmoraru93(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteI don't know where my head was to have forgotten my correct address!
No worries, DANA, I'll send you another email.
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