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10 March 2016

A Glimmer of Hope by Julie Lessman Reviewed by Bonnie Roof


A Glimmer of Hope by Author Julie Lessman
Review by Bonnie Roof
5 Stars *****

Since their first kiss - pastor's son, seminary-bound Jack O'Bryen has known he will always love tomboy neighbor Lacey Carmichael. Sharing his faith - her witty, full-of-life personality is the perfect attraction for his sensibility and seriousness.

Eighteen-year-old Lacey has loved Jack since she was twelve years old. Her surgeon father Ben's continual rejection, verbal and emotional abuse compel her to seek affirmation of being loved through Jack's expressions of affection. Determined to serve God and feeling intense pressure and spiritual conflict, Jack meets Lacey's amorous advances with resistance.

When Lacey allows cousin Nicki to lead her astray by plotting to make Jack jealous through furthering the attentions of "bad-boy" Royce Barrister, Ben's abuse intensifies. Lacey's search for consolation becomes even more bold and Jack is forced to make serious decisions affecting their relationship and his faith.

"A Glimmer of Hope" is the prequel to Julie Lessman's emotional,  compelling story of hope and forgiveness , "Isle of Hope". Previous readers of "Isle of Hope" will love learning the background of Jack and Lacey, new readers will more fully appreciate Lacey's transformation after reading "A Glimmer of Hope".

Never have another prequel and novel touched my heart as deeply as have "A Glimmer of Hope" and "Isle of Hope". Based on Julie Lessman's relationship with her father, the realism of the characters and life situations takes readers through a gamut of emotions - alternately ripping the heart out through empathy for the characters, then filling it with joy through their redemption by a loving God. The story of Jack and Lacey is one to which many readers will relate/have related - it's reviews bearing testimony of His using it's power to inspire, heal emotional pain, and change lives of readers.


Giveaway: Julie Lessman has generously donated THREE eBook giveaways of "A Glimmer of Hope"!! For contact purposes be sure to leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
 

57 comments:

  1. The story of Jack and Lacey sounds like a wonderful and emotional read. Thank you for the review!

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    1. Hi, Alexa!! A perfect description of "A Glimmer of Hope": "wonderful and emotional". Julie Lessman writes with much passion and inspiration.

      Thanks for your comments - please stop by and leave your contact info, should you be our winner!! Good luck!!

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    2. BONNIE!!! Thank you SO much for the fabulous review, my friend, and for embracing this series like you have -- you are a TOTAL blessing!! And I'd like to give away THREE ecopies of AGOH, not just one, so let's get that puppy out there for some of these commenters, okay?

      And, ALEXA, I hope I can send you a winning copy of AGOH, so good luck in the draw!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    3. Thank you got your sweet comments, Julie, but it's you I should thank - for writing "A Glimmer of Hope" and "Isle of Hope" - rather than you thanking me. As I commented in my review, they touched me more deeply, and in a way, that no other books have. I know I'm not the only reader who feels this way.

      As I've said before - God has given you your own unique, powerful writing style which He is using to touch readers in a special way. Your devotion to Him and your love for others always shines so brightly - whether through your writing or your personal life. Thank you for allowing Him to direct in your writing and for caring so much for your readers. Love you - and thanks heaps for your extremely generous giveaway!!

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  2. What a wonderful review, Bonnie! I plan on reading this soon, and am even more excited about doing so since reading your amazing review! I LOVED Isle of Hope!

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    1. Thanks for your sweet comments, Diana - it's no secret how much "A Glimmer of Hope" and "Isle of Hope have touched my heart, I let everyone know, lol!! Noela commented on the power of "Isle of Hope" to change lives, it is definitely doing that - per the reviews!!

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    2. DIANA, having enjoyed IOH, I'm anxious to see what you think about AGOH and if reading it would make you want to read the book. :)

      Hugs and happy reading, my friend!
      Julie

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  3. Great Review!! Thanks for the chance!

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    1. I appreciate your comments, Jennifer - thank you!! Don't miss the opportunity to read Julie's compelling writing: please stop by again and leave your contact info. Who knows - you could be our winner??

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    2. Thanks, JENNIFER, for coming by to enter, so here's to a win!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  4. Well said, Bonnie! There's really nothing I can add or say here. Your words hit home! An emotional ride we're in for! (I'm just saying hi, no need to include me in the giveaway).

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    1. Hey, ANNIE, always great to see your addy pop up, my friend, supporting my sweet friend, Bonnie Roof, and me!

      Hugs and more hugs,
      Julie

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    2. I treasure your friendship, Annie, and so appreciate your comments and taking the time to stop by - thank you!! So glad you felt my review did "A Glimmer of Hope" justice. Lol, ALWAYS an emotional ride with Julie's writing - one of the main reasons so many readers love it!! Hugs!!

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  5. Great review! Love to win it! Shelia Hall sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hey, SHELIA, and I would LOVE for you to win, too, so GOOD LUCK in the draw!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    2. Thanks for your comments, Shelia!! You have a huge treat in store for you with "A Glimmer of Hope"!! Please visit us again soon.

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  6. Bonnie, wonderful review! I always enjoy Julie Lessman's books and this one sounds like one that will tug at the heartstrings..
    Blessings,Tina

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    1. Well, I certainly hope so, TINA, although I think Isle of Hope will do a much better job at that since it gives me more time to mess with your emotions. ;)

      Hugs!
      Julie

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    2. Julie, I love a book that tugs at my heart strings and emotions.
      Blessings, Tina

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    3. Oh, Tina - you have no idea!! Crossing my fingers for a win - but if not, please read both "A Glimmer of Hope" and "Isle of Hope". Indescribable reading enjoyment and inspiration!! And yes - Julie will "mess" with EVERY one of your emotions before you finish reading both the prequel and novel- however, trust me, that's a good thing!! Thanks for your sweet comments and your faithful support of OWG, Carrie, and "us Angels"!!

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  7. A lovely review, Bonnie! Julie is a wonderful author :) This definitely goes on my TBR list :) Hugs and blessings!

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    1. Aw, thank you SO much, CARYL ... it always blesses me twice as much when a respected peer likes my work. And I have one of your books on my TBR list too, so we're even!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    2. Hi, Caryl - thank you so much!! Yes, Julie is one of THE best!! Please put both the prequel, "A Glimmer of Hope", and the novel "Isle of Hope" on your TBR list - you will appreciate the story even more after reading both. Your smiling face, positive attitude, and encouragement always put a smile on my face- hugs and blessings back, dear Caryl!!

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  8. Terrific review Bonnie! You did a wonderful job summing up why IOH,GOH,and all of Julie Lessman's stories are so special! No need to enter me in the giveaway,already have GOH and IOH. (In fact reading GOH right now. :) ) Just wanted to thank you for your review !

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    1. Hey, LYNNE, ALWAYS appreciate your incredible support, my friend, and your incredible encouragement and friendship.

      Thanks for coming by -- you are a gem!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    2. Hi, Lynne!! You are one huge encourager - I'm always so happy to read your encouraging comments, whether on OWG, Facebook, or blogs - and so appreciate your support of OWG, Christian Fiction and it's authors - and me!! Thank you so much and enjoy "A Glimmer of Hope"!!

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  9. Thank you for a great reciew, Bonnie! This one sounds like a winner!

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    1. Hey, MELANIE, one can only hope so, so I hope I can send you a winning copy. :)

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    2. Melanie - it's a "winner" for sure, but then - EVERYTHING Julie writes is!! I'm betting you will want to read both "A Glimmer of Hope" and "Isle of Hope" - double the enjoyment and inspiration!! Thank you and good luck!!

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  10. Thank you for a great reciew, Bonnie! This one sounds like a winner!

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  11. This is going to be another great story by Julie! Can't wait to read it.

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. Hey, MELODY, I can't wait for you to read it either, darlin', so here's hoping I can send you a winner's copy!

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
      Julie

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    2. Definitely, Melody!! In my opinion, "A Glimmer of Hope" and "Isle of Hope" are Julie's best writing to date. The realism will make you feel a part of the story, the emotion and inspiration will touch your heart!! Enjoy and be blessed!!

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  12. I have been busy catching up on a few ARC's and have refused to start anything on my TBR until I am done. About a week ago, I read an excerpt of Isle of Hope (WHICH I NEVER DO!) and all I wanted to do was start this book! I'm not kidding when I say that the excerpt gave me anticipation goosebumps. So I'm torn between being anxious to start and wanting to hold off and savor the moment. Because once I'm done reading it, sadly, I'm done reading it. :( I have a few authors, like Julie Lessman, that I space out reading their back list so that I will always have one of their books to read. haha In fact, I just ordered Julie's Surprised by love on Monday from CBD. I'm looking forward to completing that series, too. Julie, congrats on all of the love that Isle of Hope has received. I'm always blessed when I see you and your encouraging comments. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Julie is a huge encourager and blesses everyone who knows her, Terrill!! I feel the same way as you re: wanting to save the enjoyment from reading each of her books - but I've never had enough patience to hold off reading them, each one is a must read for me the minute it releases. Be blessed by reading both "A Glimmer of Hope, and "Isle of Hope" - Julie will have other new reading treats available this year also.

      Look for my name when you read her "Surprised By Love" - another way she continually blesses her readers: naming her characters after them. I always enjoy reading your comments, Terrill. Trust me, the rest of "Isle of Hope", and also "A Glimmer of Hope" - will definitely give you "goose bumps", in a wonderful inspiring way!!

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    2. Aw, TERRILL, you just made my night, my friend, both with your sweet comment about the IOH excerpt giving you goose bumps AND the fact that you said I am one of the "few authors whose back list you space out so you always have one of their books to read -- THANK YOU!!

      And, yes, DO look for sweet Bonnie Roof when you read Surprised by Love, a dear friend to the heroine just like Bonnie is to me, so I hope you enjoy it. :)

      And, Bonnie, my friend, there isn't a bigger encourager or blessing to me than you, my friend, so thank you for the great review on AGOH and for ALL you do for me, my friend. Love you!

      And, Terrill, MEGA HUGS to you as well. I hope you pull out a win, my friend, so GOOD LUCK!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  13. BONNIE, this may just be one of my favourite reviews of yours... At least until Julie's next book comes out! ;) I can tell this prequel and Isle of Hope have touched you as deeply as they have me and so many others.

    I just can't thank you enough JULIE for writing from your heart and for the glory of God. It shows. I wish I could distribute these books in every church and school library across the country. Ooh it gives me goosebumps just thinking of the outcomes! And I am planning on reading it again in the future for my own situation as it unfolds..
    I hope to share my review soon, Julie... I've only just literally finished writing it! :)
    Much love to you both!!

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    1. NOELA, are you kidding??? I can't thank YOU and the OWG team enough for reviewing "from your heart," because nothing blesses an author more than a reader who "gets them" and whose heart for God beats the same way. And YOU and Bonnie, along with Carrie, Diana, and Teresa, are reviewers like that. Add to that a gift to convey the heart of a novel as well and a dear friendship, and you have a connection that is one of the biggest blessings I've encountered to date in my career. So as I said, the thanks goes to you, Bonnie, and OWG!!

      LOL ... from your lips, my friend (or maybe I should say "review") to God's ear!

      Love you both!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    2. Such beautiful comments, Noela - and then Julie's added ones!! You don't know how much I appreciate them!! Thank you so much - teary eyed right now.

      I so echo your comments re: distributing "A Glimmer of Hope" and "Isle of Hope" to all church and school libraries and the magnificent results from doing this. Having been in similar shoes as Lacey, I knew from the first instant Julie told me of her plans to finish writing and publish "Isle of Hope" - it would have a tremendous impact on readers. There are so many hurting people who need the hope, inspiration, and lessons on forgiveness offered within it's pages. And yes - I have no doubt her next book in the series will be just as compelling and convicting, that passion wrings the readers' emotions every time, doesn't it, lol?? However, the fact that God always directs in the writing of her books is where the real conviction comes from.

      It's always a pleasure to review your books, Julie - I always pray I do them justice!!

      Love you too, Noela!!

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  14. Fantastic review Bonnie!
    IOH was one of my favourite books for 2015 and AGOH sounds like it's just as good!

    No need to enter me as I have both books, I just need to find the time to read AGOH. And then wait for the next book to come out, so that I can return to Isle of Hope, the Carmichaels and the O'Bryens! :)

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    1. Aw, LIENTJIE, that blesses me to know IOH made your favourites fro 2015 -- thank you SO much, my friend, and for your ongoing support.

      Hugs!!
      Julie

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    2. Hi, Lientjie - thanks so much for your kind comments!! As with you, I'm eagerly awaiting the next novel in the series - "Isle of Hope" is one beautiful book, isn't it?? I so appreciate your stopping by - enjoy "A Glimmer of Hope"!!

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    1. Thank you, Kim!! Good luck in the drawing - I want you to experience the joy of reading "A Glimmer of Hope" and then follow it with the inspiration and hope from Julie's beautiful "Isle of Hope", if you haven't already done so.

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    2. It is, KIM, isn't it? Good luck in the draw!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  16. Thanks for the chance!! These look amazing!!

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    1. Hey, JENNIFER, thank you!! Would love to send you a winning copy, so GOOD LUCK!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  17. What an awesome book, I would love to win.

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  18. What an awesome book, I would love to win.

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    1. Hi, Mindy - so glad you stopped by, I'd love for you to win a copy of "A Glimmer of Hope"!! Trust me, it's a totally "awesome" book!! Please leave your email so we can contact you if you are one of our winners!!

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    2. MINDY!! I hope you think so after you read your winning copy, so GOOD LUCK!!

      HUGS,
      Julie

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  19. BONNIE, I loved your beautiful review! I am looking forward to reading A GLIMMER OF HOPE.

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    1. Thank you so much, Caryl!! Always glad to see/hear your smiling face and encouraging comments. Thanks for your faithfulness and tremendous support of Christian Fiction, it's authors, OWG, and the sharing of my FB posts. Crossing my fingers we pull your name out for a copy of Julie's wonderful "A Glimmer of Hope"!! Blessings, my friend!!

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    2. Hey, CARYL, I'm crossing my fingers along with Bonnie, so hopefully Randomizer will go along ... ;)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
      Julie

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  20. Hello OWG. Thanks for the review. Would love to win Julie's book. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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    1. MAXIE!! How the heck are you, my friend?? Like Bonnie says, it's been a while since I've seen your sweet name pop up, so hopefully you are staying busy and well.

      Fingers crossed for a win, girl, and GOOD LUCK!!

      HUGS,
      Julie

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  21. Hi, Maxie - always glad to hear from you!! Since it's been a while, I hope all is well with you?? Good luck in the drawing - Julie's books are always special, and "A Glimmer of Hope" is no exception. Thanks for your comments!! Hugs!!

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