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| Love Everlasting By Julie Lessman |
Love Everlasting (Isle of Hope Series Book 2)
By Julie Lessman, September 30, 2016
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~5 stars!~
(No Spoilers!)
Another Gem By Julie!
Get ready to go on another a passionate, angst-filled journey as twisty and sinuous as a roller coaster ride to Hope Isle, Georgia—a lovely picture-perfect isle with Southern seaside beauty and charming cottages nestled next to lush plantations—but wherein lay plenty of drama, secrets, and heartaches buried underneath the guise of tranquility!
The sweet, demure Shannon O'Bryen is a faith-filled school teacher by day and a secret writer of romance by night. Writing love stories is the safest route for her to take as she has been terribly burned by love in the past. A lying player had completely broken her spirit and Shannon has totally sworn off men forever. Then how does she get mixed up with the world's biggest player, pediatrician Dr. Sam Cunningham?
Too handsome for his own good, the wealthy, charismatic, and flirtatious, Sam, has left a string of broken hearts stretching all the way across Hope Isle. Sam was an orphan shuffled through the foster care system, and finds himself looking for love and affirmation in all the wrong places. Shannon cannot tolerate his type, but finds herself willing to help him woo back his ex-girlfriend. She does write romance after all, so no problem, right? But as they draw closer and become the best of friends, Shannon teaches Sam so much more—of faith and the true definition of love. But one of them is hiding a deep secret which could destroy their friendship forever. Will either of them ever be able to open their eyes and hearts...to a love everlasting?
Be still my fluttering, racing, pounding heart! Julie Lessman is truly la creme de la creme at writing romance with so many disquieting twists and turns, and ooh, the drama! I felt as though my heart had been run through the wringer by the time I finished this emotive, fast-paced novel. I so admired Shannon's willpower against Sam's beguiling ways because he stole my foolish heart from chapter one...after he sobered up that is. ;) If you read Isle of Hope (which I hope you did!) you will remember Shannon's mother—the bubbly and vivacious Tess—and her troubled romance with Dr. Ben Carmichael, whose story continues in this book as well. So you get two sizzling, toe-curling romances for the price of one! No worries if you didn't read Isle of Hope because this novel stands quite well alone. Interspersed throughout is alot of the playful humor, quips and banter Ms. Lessman is so well known for—and a wellspring of tears, hope, and the inspiring story of God's redemption and forgiveness.
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| Plantation in Hope Isle, Georgia |
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Beautiful Hope Isle, Georgia
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This novel is available in ebook format on Amazon and will soon be available in paperback!
GIVEAWAY: Julie Lessman is generously offering winner's choice of e-book copy of either Isle of Hope or Love Everlasting now -- OR paperback copy of Love Everlasting when it releases in November! International entrants e-book only. Please be sure to leave your email addy written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
WOWEE Diana, talk about la creme de la creme... of reviews!!! Spectacular! Julie is so going to swoon over this one, GF! ;) And oh my gosh, how delicious does this book sound!! I have somehow GOT to get up to speed with writing so I can read this!!! Double the romance AND an inspirational message in the incomparable Julie-style... I can hardly wait to begin the feast!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, NOELA! You're waay too kind! The book was indeed delicious and writing the review was such a delight for me. I hope readers will read Isle of Hope first to get better acquainted with the characters, but it isn't a "have to." BUT if you did read IoH, this is a definite must read!
DeleteDIANA!!! To steal a phrase, "Be still my fluttering, racing, pounding heart!" Noela is absolutely correct in saying that I am "swooning" with a HUGE grin this morning over your "delicious" review, my friend, and I cannot thank you enough!
DeleteTo be honest, I was very concerned about this book because for me, it was in the shadows of Isle of Hope, which as you know, is a very personal book for me because of my own dysfunctional relationship with my estranged father. So, to be honest, I didn't expect people to like Sam and Shannon's story even near as much, or even their characters, especially Sam. So for you to say Sam "stole" your "foolish heart" from chapter One really blesses me because I was worried for that poor guy, that nobody would embrace a die-hard player like him. :)
So THANK YOU, my sweet friend, not only for a stellar review, but for the time you took to read it in the first place! May God bless you as much as you have blessed me!
Hugs and more hugs!
Julie
JULIE, YOU have blessed my heart this morning! I read this book and was like "wow", how can I ever do it justice in a review?! And I didn't for sure, but everything I wrote came from my whole, full heart. And Sam was a perfect specimen (lol) for God's redemptive power and he WAS sooo hot! Can I say that on here? Oopsie! ;) It was my pleasure, Julie! I know everyone will love LE as much as I!
DeleteLOL, DIANA ... YES, you CAN say Sam is soooo hot on here because I LOVE it ... AND you!!
DeleteHugs!!
Julie
I love you, too, Julie!! And your books! ;)
DeleteSuch a beautiful review, Diana - thank you!! I loved 'Love Everlasting' and love those pics you posted. I was blessed enough to visit Isle of Hope just this past May, it made Julie's Isle of Hope series come even more alive - I envisioned her characters running across the lawn and onto the river dock across the street at any minute. You're not the only one Sam struck a beautiful chord with - I think it was my identifying with the pain of his past insecurities. Like you, I was thrilled to read more about the romance between Ben and Tess and surprised that I had grown to love Ben - he made me laugh out loud in 'Love Everlasting'!!
ReplyDeleteLOL, BONNIE ... I always laught when I think how much you didn't like Ben in the beginning. Neither did my agent, so she had me soften him up a wee bit, although not too much because we both know how much I love those cantankerous types, eh? ;)
DeleteHugs and more hugs,
Julie
BONNIE, I lost my comment to you, but that is so cool you got to visit Isle of Hope!! Thank you for your kind compliment!
DeleteOh, you gals always make me want to read these books! You write such wonderful reviews that make EVERYONE want to read them. And it's written by Julie, so what's not to like? Throw my name in the pot for a 'Julie book' any day! Sigh...
ReplyDeleteAnd Isle of Hope is a real place? Even better! I think I need to find this place someday--sounds like a place for relaxation--plus my whole thing about the word 'Hope'.
You know how to find me--
Vicki
Thank you, Vicki! Such a nice thing to say! Exactly -- what's not to like? Yes! Isle of Hope is totally a real place!
DeleteVICKI!!! Yes, Isle of Hope is a "real place" that I stumbled on after I prayed about an East-Coast island for my first contemporary. I loved Savannah, so I looked at a Savannah map and WHOA, BABY!!! There was Isle of Hope, the most perfect setting for my story of hope, yes??? It is a Lowcountry peninsula that turns into an island at high tide and sooooo beautiful and rich in history that parts of Forrest Gump, The Last Song, and the original Cape Fear were filmed there. So if you can't visit in person, then visit through book 1, Isle of Hope, because you will fall in love with the place. And, I hope ... my book too! ;)
DeleteGOOD LUCK!!
Julie
I read both Glimmer of Hope and Isle of Hope and as always love ANYTHING Julie writes. I can't wait to read this one. Now I just have to get print copies of this series as I have all her others.
ReplyDeleteDORETHA, I loved every book Julie has ever written so I totally "get" you! Thank you for sharing! Please be sure to come back and leave your email addy for contact purposes. :)
DeleteDORETHA!!! Thank you SO much for your sweet comment AND for reading my books in the first place, my friend. :)
DeleteFingers crossed for a win!!
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
Sounds like a real toe-curler. Do you think it will make my heart race too? ;-)
ReplyDeleteLuke
LOL, LUKE ... unless your name is a nickname for Lucinda, probably not! ;) Although I actually do have a number of male reader friends, so why not one more? But I draw the line at toe-curling for you, okay? ;)
DeleteHugs and good luck!!
Julie
Definitely a toe-curler for me, LUKE, and it might make your heart race, but since you are a detective and a surfer uhmmm...maybe not. Lol
DeleteHaha. An honest answer to an honest question. :)
DeleteLuke
LOL! Yep, not to mention Sam made my heart race and I doubt that he would yours! ;) But I do believe you would enjoy the book for sure! Julie is the BoMb!
DeleteWhat Julie said; if Sam is a nickname for Samantha she might make my heart race. ;-) I think I will leave Sam to you, blondie. :-)
Deletehehe And as Julie also said probably not. Thanks for your generosity. :P
DeleteSounds like another awesome read - thank you for adding the pictures :-) cmcfaithingod(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteCHRISTINE, I hope so, and Diana's review is so good, it even makes ME want to read it all over again! ;) Good luck in the contest!
DeleteAnd, Diana, forgot to thank you for adding those awesome pix as well. Expecially the house with the picket fence, because that's exactly how I pictured the O'Bryen's house. :)
Hugs!
Julie
CHRISTINE, too awesome for words! But I tried!
DeleteLOL, Diana ... I sure like those bushes, don't I??? Double WINK!! ;)
DeleteHUGS,
Julie
JULIE, that's the way I pictured their house, too! And alot of shrubs in the back yard. WINK!
DeleteYes, you definitely used those bushes to your advantage, JULIE! ;)
DeleteIsle of Hope is one of the best book I read. It was filled with so much emotion. I cannot envision that a reader's heart would not be moved by it.
ReplyDeleteSonnetta_jones(at) hotmail(dot)com
This one is, too, SONNETTA! I cried, laughed, and my emotions ran the gamut! Good luck!
DeleteSONNETTA!!! God bless you, my friend, thank you SO much! And if you posted a review on Amazon, please let me know so I can personally thank you, okay?
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
I did post a review on Amazon. I cannot part with it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, SONNETTA!!
DeleteSONNETA, GOD BLESS YOU, my friend!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate you posting a review, and if you have not had a chance to read any of my Christmas novellas, let me know, and I will send you one.
DeleteHugs,
Julie
I have not read any of your Christmas novellas. I would love to read one. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
DeleteAlways love Julie's books as have read and/or owned nearly everything she has written, with some re-reads! Enjoyed the pictures! Cathy. dixiedobie at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteCATHY, thank you for sharing! If there is a book of Julie's I missed I sure don't know it! I'm glad you enjoyed the pics! We need to go there!
DeleteCATHY, God bless you, my friend -- I SO appreciate that! And I would LOVE to send LE to you, too, so here's to a win!
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!
Julie
I love reading stories set in the South and I would like to visit Isle of Hope by reading "Love Everlasting". The book sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
It's so fabulous, DIANNE! It's not a necessity to read Isle of Hope first, but doing so just adds to the pleasure of reading this one. In book one, you will have the opportunity to meet Tess and Dr. Ben whose story continues in this one.
DeleteDIANNE!! Oh, girl, Isle of Hope is AWESOME!! Like I told Vicki above, Isle of Hope is a "real place" that I stumbled on after I prayed about an East-Coast island for my first contemporary. I loved Savannah, so I looked at a Savannah map and WHOA, BABY!!! There was Isle of Hope, the most perfect setting for my story of hope, yes??? It is a Lowcountry peninsula that turns into an island at high tide and sooooo beautiful and rich in history that parts of Forrest Gump, The Last Song, and the original Cape Fear were filmed there. I guarantee if you visit it through book 1, Isle of Hope, you will fall in love with the place like I did. And, I hope ... my book too! ;)
DeleteGOOD LUCK!!
Julie
I like stories that take place on seashores, islands or near a lighthouse. This should be a very interesting love story when they quit arguing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!
-- lemonade050 at hot mail dot com ---
You and me both, dear reader friend! When or IF they quit arguing… lol
DeleteThank you and good luck in the giveaway!
Well, LEMONADE050, I guarantee you will love the setting for this story, which makes the story itself all the better, in my opinion, so I hope you get a chance to read it!
DeleteHere's to a win and GOOD LUCK in the contest!
Hugs,
Julie
I always very much enjoy reading Julie's books so I must read Love Everlasting. Thanks for the great review and the chance to win this book.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Thank you, PAM! Julie's books are just the best, aren't they? Good luck!
DeleteHey, PAM, THANK YOU, and fingers crossed for a win, my friend, so GOOD LUCK in the draw!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Not sure how to enter, but please enter me. Thanks
ReplyDeletemoma3homeschool(at)gmail(dot)com
MICHELLE, welcome to OWG!! This is exactly how you enter. You did very well and I hope you come back often! Wishing you a lot of luck in the drawing!
DeleteHey, MICHELLE, thanks SO much for coming by and I hope it nets you a win, so GOOD LUCK!!
DeleteAnd, by the way, the prequel novella to this series is actually available for FREE DOWNLOAD right now, so I hope you check it out. Here's the link:
A GLIMMER OF HOPE
HUGS,
Julie
Great review, Diana. I so enjoy Julie's books. I find lighthouse so interesting. Have a blessed and happy day.
ReplyDeleteleliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
Hi, LUCY! She's quite the storyteller, isn't she? Same to you, my friend!
DeleteHey, LUCY, thank you SO much, my friend, and I hope you have a blessed and happy day as well! (And a win! ;))
DeleteHugs,
Julie
BTW in case you missed it, Julie mentioned above that the prequel to this series "Glimmer of Hope" is now FREE! https://www.amazon.com/Glimmer-Hope-Novella-Prequel-Isle-ebook/dp/B01B2AOS5E/ref=pd_sim_351_1?
ReplyDeleteWONDERFUL REVIEW, DIANA! JULIE, is an INCREDIBLE author. I can't wait to read this series. (((((HUGS)))))
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, CARYL! Julie is right up there at the top of my list of fave authors and always has been ever since I savored her very first book! I can't wait for you to get a chance to read it ASAP! :)
DeleteCARYL!!! Thank you SO MUCH, you sweet thing, and I can't wait to see what you think of your character, my friend. She's a little on the racy side, I'm afraid ... ;)
DeleteAs you know, you have won a paperback copy of LE, so here's hoping you can snag an ebook version here!!
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
Julie
How cool, CARYL! Did you know you won a paperback? I saw your name in Julie's book and smiled real big!!
DeleteDIANA and JULIE, I am so HONORED to "be" in LE. This is a wonderful blessing! (((((HUGS))))))
DeleteLOVE JULIE!! jacqln.cuthbert(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMe, too, JACQUELINE! You can't get any plainer than that! LOL!
DeleteJACQUELINE!!! Love you back, my friend, and here's hoping I can show you by sending you a copy of Love Everlasting, so GOOD LUCK!!
DeleteHUGS,
JULIE
I so want to read your gem, Julie! :) Count me in! haha. Reading a drama-packed romance is like getting a vitamin- it simply sets you on fire.:)
ReplyDeleteddoru_05(at)yahoo(dot)com
Julie's books are like getting megadoses of vitamins the whole time you're reading them! Lol Cute comment, ROSE, and such a lovely name!!
DeleteLOL, ROSE ... you're my kind of reader, girlfriend!! Pop me those vitamins with lots of vitamin D (sunshine) and vitamin CDQ!!
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
Wonderful review Diana!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book Julie! I love the setting of the story (& the pictures) and inspiring stories showing God's redemption and forgiveness.
Blessings, Tina
Thank you, TINA! Have you read the 1st book yet - Isle of Hope? Ohhh, it is wonderful and will help you become acquainted with the characters, although Julie does a great job of recapping. I believe you'll love Tess and Ben's romance as much as I as they are an older couple, but still not as old as I am. I'm a fossil compared to them lol
DeleteHey, MRS. TINA, since it sounds like you haven't read Isle of Hope yet (book 1), so if you win, I will be happy to send you that instead of LE if you like because although they are stand-alone books, they are (like all of my books!) best read in order. :)
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
Looks a fantastic read Julie.
ReplyDeleteAs an International reader, I would love to win an e-book.:)
My email is....rosie(underscore)curran(hyphen)benger151201@hotmail.com
ROSIE, I'm so glad you could get a comment through! Yay! Now we'll expect you to visit all the time! Lol I so hope you get the opportunity to read this one ASAP....for your plane trip! Let's hope random number loves you, ok? ;)
DeleteROSIE!!! Thanks for swinging by, my friend, and I would love to send you a winning e-copy of LE (or Isle of Hope if you haven't yet read that), so here's to a win!!
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
Thanks Diana for this great review! You did a beautiful job summing up what makes this another Julie Lessman masterpiece! It's a brilliant combination of romance and spirituality with characters you really love! (Although too late for the giveaway,just wanted to write how much I love this story and recommend it to other readers)
ReplyDeleteThanks again, LYNNE, for your incredible support!! SOOOO appreciate you, my friend!
DeleteHugs and more hugs,
Julie
Thank you, LYNNE! No, you are not too late for the giveaway because the drawing is not until Sunday. Thanks so much for sharing!
DeleteOh I cannot wait to read this book. I've finally caught up on my reading of Julie's books (except for the novellas) and am anxiously awaiting this one.
ReplyDeletekauppatgridcomdotnet
Hi, KATHY! You are in for a real treat and I hope you get a chance to read Love Everlasting ASAP!
DeleteLOL, KATHY, you deserve a prize for THAT, my friend!! Are you sure you're not sick of me yet???
DeleteOkay, fingers crossed for a win, girlfriend, and I sure hope I can send you a winning copy!!
Hugs and more hugs!
Julie
I really don't need any more on my to-be-read pile, but this one will probably jump to the top! castfalk(at)verizon(dot)net
ReplyDeleteCAROLYN!! ALWAYS appreciate you dropping by, my friend, and ALWAYS like to see what you think of my books, too, so I hope I can send you a winning copy!
DeleteHUGS AND GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
Definitely need to let this one hop to the top of your TBR pile, CAROLYN! Lotsa luck!
DeleteLove Everlasting is on my to-be-bought list, but if I could win it first that would be even better! ;) So looking forward to reading it! khend1988 [at] gmail [dot] com.
ReplyDeleteGreat review by the way. Really enjoyed it!
Hey, KATY, with 18 chances to win on all my blog-tour giveaways, you can probably put your money away, my friend, so GOOD LUCK!
DeleteHUGS,
Julie
Yes, KATY! Let's hope you are one of 18 lucky winners and you can save your money for Julia's next book! Lol
DeleteSorry Julie's not Julia's. Company and football are messing up my concentration. LOL
DeleteJulie Lessman is fantastic! I love her books. I just started reading Glimmer of Hope, so I definitely want to continue with the series
ReplyDeleteCONNIE, THANK YOU!!! And, YAY, soooo glad you are reading AGOH because it kicks off the series nicely. Here's hoping I can send you a winning copy of either IOH or LE!!
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!!
JULIE
CONNIE, the series will delight you! I hope you win the next book in the series so you can just read them back to back.
DeleteThis looks like a great read. Definitely on my to be read list. Thanks for awesome giveaway. klhfrog2atyahoodotcom
ReplyDeleteKLKFROG ... SO appreciate that, my friend, and here's to a win!
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
KLKFROG, thank you for coming by OWG and showing an interest in Julie's book. We appreciate you!
DeleteI'd love to visit Isle of Hope both in person and through the books! jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteOh, JOAN, you aren't going to believe how beautiful IOH is!! So much so that even writing this book was a joy because I FELT the setting keenly, so hopefully you will, too, WHEN you read it! ;) And hopefully you'll win it right here on OWG, so GOOD LUCK!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Oh, how I wish we could give a copy away to every commenter on here, JOAN! Thank you for coming by!!
DeleteI have read the other stories in this series, and they are outstandingly wonderful! I can hardly wait to jump in to this one head-first! She never disappoints. ReadingMama922@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLOL, DEBBIE ... LOVE IT!! "Outstandingly wonderful" made me grin, so THANK YOU!! I hope you like Shannon and Sam's story. It's a tender friendship that becomes a tender romance, one of my favorite kinds!
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
Jump in head-first made me smile, DEBBIE! So thank you for making both Julie and me grin today!
DeleteDid I already comment on this blog? Hope not, but the chance to win Julie's new books is worth two comments if I did!
ReplyDeleteSo neat the Isle of Hope is a real place.
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
LOL, PATTY ... two comments or twenty ... I just TRULY appreciate your support and interest, my friend, so here's hoping for a win!!
DeleteAnd, YES, I was BLOWN AWAY when I discovered Isle of Hope on a map because I had never heard of it before, which is sooooo weird since it's a PERFECT NAME for a book, especially a book on "hope"!!
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
PATTY, I agree with JULIE!! There's no rule that says you can only comment one time, right? Lol I was also delighted to hear that Isle of Hope is a real place and I would love to go there.
DeleteI read Isle of Hope and now I want to read this one. Not only have I been hearing great things about this book but if I had never read one sentence about it your review would have hooked me immediately. Julie Lessman can write romantic fiction like none other. spotts06@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteAw, STELLA, thank you SO much, my sweet friend, both for your sweet comment and for reading my books in the first place -- MUCH appreciated!! I hope you like Sam and Shannon's story as much as I do, so GOOD LUCK in the contest!!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
STELLA, bless you and thank you!! I quite agree with you about Julie's books...ALL OF THEM!
DeleteDiana, you TOTALLY drew me into this story with your wonderful review! I was engrossed from the beginning to the end of your review and longing to know more! Thanks for further enticing me to read this book and series and for the opportunity of this giveaway! ~Alison Boss
ReplyDeletenj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
ALISON, I couldn't agree more, my friend -- Diana (and the whole OWG crew) write some of the best reviews in the blogging industry -- heartfelt and beautifully crafted!
DeleteSO glad she reeled you in with hers, so thank you for your interest and thank you to Diana for reviewing LE in the first place -- MUCH appreciated!!
Hugs,
Julie
Aww...Alison and Julie, thank you! I'm not going to lie--it's been a tough weekend. Your words are like balm to my emotions. ALISON, I hope you get the chance to read this soon. You'll love it!
DeleteWhat a book!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
LOL, MELANIE ... I hope so, but you'll be the judge of that if I send you a winning copy, so GOOD LUCK in the contest!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Amen, MELANIE!!
DeleteAw, KATE, thank you SO much, and YOU always encourage me, so BLESS YOU!!
ReplyDeleteHugs and here's to a win!!
Julie
KATE, not only do Julie's books encourage me, but the lady herself does as well. She is such a sweetheart and has such a way of making people feel good about themselves.
ReplyDeleteHi Diana :) Thank you for the review, and the giveaway! I love hearing other Julie-fans rave about her books.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping for a win and a new book to read!
sclauche(at)gmail(dot)com
SARAH, thank you! I'm definitely a true blue Julie fan and I love raving! lol
DeleteHey, SARAH, so good to see you here, my friend, so thanks for coming by!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Congrats to JOAN who won her choice of book in the Isle of Hope series via random number! I so enjoyed reading your comments and supporting Julie's books! Thank you all!
ReplyDelete