Review by Bonnie Roof
5 STARS *****
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23
Though I've read each one of Julie Lessman's books - her writing never ceases to amaze me! Possessing the innate ability to draw readers into her stories, she makes me feel not only as if I'm a member of those beautiful, warm, cozy families she writes about - but a part of the story and a friend of the characters, as well.
But warm and cozy though they be, those amazing families struggle with the same pressures of daily life and serious life-changing issues as you, me, and the rest of today's modern world. "His Steadfast Love" is no exception - amidst the joys and triumphs experienced by the characters: present or past issues of being unforgivable, bitterness, date rape, jealousy, sexual abuse, feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy, and adultery are also addressed.
It was easy to fall in love with ex-Navy Seal and pastor Chase Griffin, who has such a heart for people, the situations in which Cat placed herself both angered me and elicited tears of sympathy, Ms. Lilly made me laugh at her "no-nonsense" approach and marvel at her spiritual wisdom. "His Steadfast Love" led me through the gamut of emotions : from tears of joy to tears of sympathy and all those in between.
It's a story filled with humor, copious quantities of romance, angst, unexpected twists, lovable characters, and a realistic plot but the "creme de la creme" is the hope, inspiration, and redemption story from a loving God. Received by it's characters and now it's readers (as evidenced by it's reviews) - a life-changing possibility, for sure!
"His Steadfast Love" is the last in the series of three books and completes the series so beautifully (it's quite possibly Julie Lessman's best work to date), but is also such a delight as a stand-alone readers will be enticed to read the other two books, "Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love" and "Love Everlasting", and the prologue, "A Glimmer of Hope", as well. I'll certainly miss spending time with the charming O'Bryen and Carmichael families!
Love prospers when a heart is forgiven. (Proverbs 17:9)
Disclaimer: I was provided a PDF of "His Steadfast Love" by the author but was not required to write a review. This review is my honest opinion of "His Steadfast Love".
Also coming from Julie Lessman on Amazon Sept. 1: "Grace Like Rain: A Heart of San Francisco Novella", "The Best Gift of All: An O'Connor Christmas Novella", "The Gift of Grace: A Frontier Christmas Novella", and "A Whisper of Hope: An O'Connor Christmas Novella". $.99 each and pre-order available now.
She’s bent on fun.
He’s bent on faith.
Till true love bridges the gap.
Cat O’Bryen is the prodigal daughter unhappy with God. First, the father with whom she reconciled dies of cancer and now her twin sister and best friend marries, leaving Cat at home with a newlywed mother, her new husband, and a little brother. But when Cat moves in with a roommate of questionable morals, her family is worried, certain she’s on a path that could damage her faith forever.
Reluctant to get involved with a woman like the one who destroyed his life, ex-Navy SEAL Pastor Chase Griffin steers clear of the attraction he feels for Cat O’Bryen. Until her family begs him to take her under his wing, hoping he can draw her back into the fold. But when the draw she has on him proves too strong to resist, he must rely on the strength of God to offer a friendship as steady and strong as the God whose love is wooing her home.
Giveaway: Julie is offering a giveaway of His Steadfast Love to one of our readers. Winner can choose a paperback of His Steadfast Love, releasing this fall, or ebook copies of all three novels in this series! Leave a prayer below for Bonnie's health for the upcoming author event CFFR to enter, thanks!
Oh my goodness, Bonnie, what a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL review, my friend!! Not just for its exceptionally well-written words, but for the fact that it is written by one of my dearest friends and a true impetus for the entire Isle of Hope series. Of everyone who has ever read this book, yours is the fingerprint that most helped to shape and mold the tone and touch of this series, and I can never thank you enough for all of your incredible support!
ReplyDeleteI dedicated book 2 to you, Bonnie, but really I should dedicate the entire series because no one has had a more profound effect on it than you, my sweet friend!
Thank you again for taking the time to read HSL when I know how very busy you are, for your heartfelt and beautiful review, but mostly for your dear and precious friendship!
Love you!!
Julie
Thank you for our kind words, Julie - you humble me!! Nothing brings me more joy than reading one of your beautiful books - I always struggle to do them justice in my reviews!! I'm so blessed to have been a part of this series that is so dear to me, and even more so by your inspiration, prayers, and sweet friendship!! Love you too!!
DeleteBonnie, your review of His Steadfast Love is beautiful....and I so agree! What a book....and what a writer! Julie Lessman's Isle of Hope series has captivated me.....emotional and comforting. Even though I'm sad to say good-bye to these families, the ending is satisfying and absolutely perfect! I'm so glad Julie has more books releasing soon!
ReplyDeleteAnd the Lamentations verse is appropriate for these stories. Love that! Prayers for you, dear Bonnie, as you prepare for the CFRR!. Enjoy every moment!
Hugs, love, and prayers for you both, dear friends!
Thank you, Sherida!!
DeleteThe emotion, passion, and redeemed characters in Julie's books always "put me through the wringer", LOL, but I wouldn't have it any other way. "His Steadfast Love" IS a perfect ending to a perfect series, isn't it?? Julie's writing seems to get even better with each book she writes, we readers have much to look forward to.
Thank you for your prayers, Sherida!! Hugs, love, and prayers back to you my friend!!
Dear Sweet Sherida!! I love you to pieces, girlfriend, and am SO very grateful to have you as an influencer!! Your reviews -- like those of the OWG angels -- are always among my favorites, so THANK YOU for reading and reviewing my books!!
DeleteHugs and more hugs!!
Julie
I've made some poor choices in my past, so I can relate to Cat in some ways. I've also watched loved ones make poor choices, so I've been on both sides of the situation! I'm grateful that Julie doesn't shy away from tackling life's very real messes!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you, Bonnie! We'll be praying for all of you to have health, energy, and an uplifting time!
Hi, Karen!! I so relate to making poor choices as a young girl/woman - the benefit of those choices is that I can relate to others in the same situations and reach out to them just as Julie's inspiring books do. God has a plan for good from every hardship we endure and lessons to be learned. Books, such as Julie's, that tackle the hard subjects of life are my fave - they represent life as it really is and inspire the readers to closer relationships with God.
DeleteThank you for your prayers - please leave us an email address as a way to contact you, should you be our winner!!
Hey, Karen, I simply CAN'T "shy away from tackling life's very real messes" because my life was pretty darn messy before God, so it's only fair my characters experience the same hard-won lessons, eh? ;)
DeleteHUGS!!
Julie
Wonderful review Bonnie! I couldn't agree more! :) Julie Lessman is a master with words and packs a serious spiritual punch!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you as you head to your retreat!
That she is/does, Melissa - the reason we love her writing so much. Thank you for your kind words!!
DeletePlease leave your email address as a form of contact, should you be our winner!!
Oh, Melissa, I STILL smile when I think of your incredible review, my friend, so THANK YOU for your it AND your sweet comment above! Appreciate you more than I can say, my friend!
DeleteHUGS,
Julie
An absolutely beautiful review,Bonnie! You perfectly summed up why this book and Julie's writing is so amazing! With it's themes of forgiveness,love,and morality in this modern world I think it should be required reading.
ReplyDeleteBless you Bonnie! Will be sending up prayers that God will grant you the strength and health for the conference,and that you all will have a wonderful and inspiring time!
Thank you for your sweet words, Lynne!! Such a wonderful idea that Julie's writing should be required reading for everyone - I do my best to see that the word is spread to as many readers as possible. The world would be an even more wonderful place to love were everyone to read her books and apply the principles within to themselves.
DeleteThank you SO much for all your prayers, my friend!! They mean the world to me!!
Thanks, Lynne, not only for your sweet comment, but for ALL of your incredible support -- you bless me continually, my sweet friend!!
DeleteHUGS!!
Julie
Aww! Thanks Julie and Bonnie for your sweet replies! You both bless the socks off me with your friendship,support,and prayers!! lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com
DeleteThank you for the wonderful review and the chance to win! I so want to read this! Prayers for you Bonnie. What a beautiful witness and friend. Praying that you feel well to attend the conference!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet comments, Jeanne!! "His Steadfast Love" will capture your heart and soul just as the other books in the series will!! I so appreciate your prayers - blessings to you!!
DeletePlease leave an email address as a form of contact, should you be our winner!!
Hey, Jeanne, thank you for coming by today AND for your prayers for Bonnie. I am SO grateful for all the prayers sent her way and you are dead-on -- she is a "beautiful witness and friend"!!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
jcrea@comcast.net
DeleteThanks for commenting and thanks for your prayers, Kate - I appreciate them so much!! Amen - He is always faithful!!
ReplyDeletePlease leave your email address as a way of contact should you be our winner!!
Looking forward to reading this next book in the series! And prayers for you and everyone attending the readers retreat. It looks to be a wonderful event!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a beautiful, inspiring story, Carolyn!! I hope you've read the other books in the series, as well - if not, I know you'll be enticed to after reading "His Steadfast Love".
DeleteThe retreat (CFRR) IS such a wonderful event - authors, readers, books, giveaways, games, food, music, and praise and worship. What more could a reader want, LOL?? Julie was one of our keynote speakers last year. If not attending this years retreat, I pray you'll have the opportunity to attend next year's event - you might even see Julie there again, LOL!!
***Please leave your email address as a form of contact, should you be our winner!!***
Hey, Carolyn -- SO fun to see you here, girlfriend,and here's hoping it nets you a win! Would love to meet you someday at ACFW, so do let me know if you plan on going next year, okay?
DeleteHUGS!!
Julie
Thank you for this great review. I have enjoyed the other books in this series and am looking forward to reading His Steadfast Love. Julie has such a unique writing voice. Her passion for the Lord really shines through her writing.
ReplyDeleteThe CFFR sounds like so much fun. I'm a teeny bit envious (ok, quite a bit) of those who can go to this retreat. I hope you will be in good health, Bonnie, so you can go and enjoy your time there with the authors and other reader friends.
Thanks again for the review and for the chance to win His Steadfast Love.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Thank you for your sweet comments, Pam!! You are right on both counts: "Julie has a unique writing voice and her passion for the Lord really shines through her writing"- the reasons her writing is so loved, she's definitely one that practices what she preaches (the reason SHE is so loved) and relies on the Lord for guidance in each scene of her writing. You will love "His Steadfast Love"!!
DeleteI don't have proper words to describe the magnitude of CFFR - I'll pray that God works it out for you to attend one of our yearly events. It has been one of the greatest blessings in my life - a vision God gave me 4 years ago, and for which Julie Lessman was my prayer partner. January of 2016, God sent me 2 incredibly talented co-organizers with a love for God, and the first annual CFRR was held in August, 2016. CFRR is totally a "God thing" - He has directed our every step and provided for our every need. In addition to being a book/author/reader event, CFRR is our opportunity to thank God for His gift of Christian Fiction and it's authors!!
Pam!!! SO great to see your sweet name pop up, girlfriend, and here's hoping I can send you a winning copy of His Steadfast Love!
DeleteAnd, Pam, if you EVER get to Osage Beach, Mo. OR go to CFRR or ACFW in Nashville next summer, PLEASE let me know so we can meet, okay?
Hugs and more hugs!
Julie
Prayers to you Bonnie. I love your review of Julie's book. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemommystuck1(at)optonline(dot)net
DeleteThank for your kind words, Tammy - and thanks so much for your prayers!!
DeleteHey, Tammy, thanks for coming by, and here's to a win!!
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!
Julie
Good morning Bonnie (what a beautiful name). Praying for you always. Thank you so much for this Love review. I definitely need to buy this book now �� God bless ��
ReplyDeleteLOL, JospehineAnne Griffiths, you definitely DO need to buy this book now, but if you haven't read any of the other Isle of Hope books, I have a much better deal for you, my friend. The prequel novella to this award-winning Isle of Hope series, A Glimmer of Hope, on FREE DOWNLOAD right now, so I hope you check it out. Not only will it give you a sneak peek at the first chapter of book 1, Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love, but it will set the family and setting up for you. I’ve included the link below.
DeleteAlso, if you like the prequel, you’re in luck because book 1, which was listed on Family Fiction magazine’s Top 15 Novels of 2015 and currently has a 5-star rating on Amazon with 222 reviews, is currently on a special e-sale of only 99 cents, so I hope you consider downloading that too!
Here is the link to A Glimmer of Hope and the link to my Isle of Hope page, which not only has great pix of the hero and heroine, but a number of excerpts, reviews, and a buy link. Good luck in the contest!
A GLIMMER OF HOPE
ISLE OF HOPE WEB PAGE
Hugs and Happy Reading!
Julie
Josephine-Anne, thank you for your sweet comments!! I hope you get the opportunity to read "His Steadfast Love" and the other books in the Isle of Hope series very soon. Each one is a treasure that will bring you joy and inspiration, it's characters will remain in your heart. Thank you for your prayers - prayers and God's help keep me going!!
DeletePlease leave your email address, as a form of contact - should you be our winner!!
*lovely review*
ReplyDeleteI agree, Kate -- Bonnie's reviews are ALWAYS "beautiful," as is Bonnie herself! A true blessing to know. :)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julie
BONNIE, I'm covering you in prayer! I enjoyed reading your lovely review! Julie's stories are AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and (((((HUGS))))
psalm103and138 at gmail dot com
Caryl -- YOU are amazing, my friend, in your encouragement and support. THANK YOU!!
DeleteHugs and more hugs!!
Julie
Caryl, I so appreciate your encouragement and support and look forward to the day when I can thank you in person!! You are so right - Julie's stories are "AMAZING", I can't emphasize it enough. If you haven't read "His Steadfast Love" - I hope you have the opportunity very soon, it's one of her very best works!!
DeleteIt sounds like a great story! a_stonecipher(at)yahoo(Dot)com
ReplyDeleteA "great" story, indeed - Anonymous!! I think you will love it - enjoy!!
DeleteAnonymous, thanks for coming by -- here's to a win!!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
You have convinced me that this is a "must read"! I have gotten behind in reading this series . . . . . see you in a couple of days at the CFRR!
ReplyDeleteBlogger was acting up, Rebecca - so forgive me if my comments to you suddenly appear in triplicate and worded a bit differently, LOL!!
DeleteWhile I more closely relate to the first book in the Isle of Hope series (due to my relationship with my own father as a young girl), I feel "His Steadfast Love" could be Julie's writing best. I loved it - all that emotion, unexpected twists, warm families, angst, passion, redeemed characters, and spiritual inspiration in her writing touches my heart and soul in a wonderful way with each of her works.
Looking forward to seeing you again at CFRR - enjoy your trip to the Ark also, it's on my list to do very soon. I loved touring the first museum they built - so entertaining and inspiring.
Rebecca, Bonnie does write a mean review -- makes even ME want to read it again! ;)
DeleteHugs & Happy Reading!!
Julie
Bonnie, what a beautiful review of an outstanding book. I'm so hoping I will be able to read this soon. There is nothing like a Julie Lessman book to bring joy to your heart! 💗
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet comments, dear Teresa!! You have such a treat in store - you are so right, "there is nothing like a Julie Lessman book to bring joy to your heart"!
DeleteTERESA!!! Oh my gosh, it's SO good to see your sweet face here, my friend! I pray for you all the time, but I do miss seeing you, so THANK YOU for coming by!! And, girl, anytime you want ANY of these books in this series, you just let me know, and I will email the ebooks to you, okay?
DeleteHugs and more hugs!
Julie
I definitely want to read this series! I want so much for these books to move up on my TBR list. I'm missing the new one and one of the others. But I hope to get them all soon. Praying for you Bonnie and I certainly hope that God heals you and blesses you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!! Julie, your books are beautiful.
Brenda, thank you SO much, my sweet friend, and here's hoping I can send you some winning books, so GOOD LUCK!!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Brenda, you are in for such a treat with this series - Julie's writing just keeps getting better and better, if that's possible, LOL!! The other 2 books in the series are on sale now - the best time to grab the one you need. Thanks for your sweet comments and your prayers, Brenda!!
Delete###Please leave your email address for contact purposes should you be our winner!!###
grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com
DeleteBonnie, I hope that you will be filled with the strength of the Father this weekend, that you will know His touch on you. I know that you are so looking forward to CFRR. Looking forward to seeing you there. Thank you for sharing about Julie and her new book.
ReplyDeleteI second your prayer for Bonnie, Anne, and am pretty sure a ton of people will be praying for both CFRR and our sweet Bonnie!
DeleteHugs!!
Julie
Anne, I so appreciate your prayers and certainly need that strength that only He can give - my trust in Him and people's prayers are two of the things that have kept me going this long. I, too, look forward to seeing you again - get ready for some fun, fellowship, inspiration, and praising Him - at CFRR!!
DeleteJulie, you've probably prayed a million prayers for me - and many for CFRR, as well. I can't thank you enough!! God has blessed CFRR and blessed me through your prayers, your precious friendship, your writing, and your "light" that shines continually for Him. Love you!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have Bonnie, probably more for you than anyone I know, but you are SO worth it, my sweet friend! And I plan to pray a million, so there!! ;)
DeleteHUGS AND HAVE A BLAST AT CFRR WHEN YOU GO -- MY PRAYERS GO WITH YOU!!
Hugs,
Julie
My best wishes to Bonnie in regard to the CFRR, and I also want to thank her for the review. I greatly enjoy Julie's books and have read many/most of them, with some as re-reads. My favorites overall would be the "Boston" books, which encompass actually two series that are tied together with the same family. Thanks! dixiedobie at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteThank you for your well wishes and your wonderful comments, Cathy!! So glad you're a fellow Julie follower, we never tire of her stories. She has the innate ability to draw us into each and every one of them and make us feel as if we're part of the story. I loved the "Boston" books, but then there's nothing Julie has written I haven't loved - including her writing manual, LOL!!
DeleteHey, Cathy, thank you SO much for reading my books and for coming by today. Just FYI, I have two O'Connor Christmas novellas releasing Sept. 1st of this year AND I plan to start on my O'Connor Cousins trilogies beginning with Gabe during WWII, so more O'Connors coming your way, my friend!
DeleteHugs and GOOD LUCK!
Julie
I cannot wait to read this book, with the highly recommendations! I am a pastor's wife, but this book would appeal to me, even if I was not!
ReplyDeleteJanice
pjrcmoore@windstream.net
Good morning, Janice!! And I cannot wait for you to read "His Steadfast Love" - such a beautiful, inspiring story and such a reading treat. I'm sure you will find a special connection to the story since you're a pastor's wife, but as you implied - Julie's inspiring stories touch the heart and soul of all who read them, she relies on His guidance so completely in the writing of each one. You and your husband have a special calling - thank you for all you do to serve Him!!
DeleteHey, Janice, I just LOVE to bless pastors' wives, so have you by chance read the first book in the series, Isle of Hope? If not, contact me through FB messaging or through my website, and I will be happy to send you a comp copy, okay?
DeleteHUGS and GOOD LUCK!
Julie
I'm with you, Bonnie! Her writing amazes me too!!! Love love love all her books!
ReplyDeletemelissadiane41@yahoo.com
Aw, Melissa, you always bless my socks off, my sweet friend -- THANK YOU!!!
DeleteHUGS AND MORE HUGS!!
Julie
SO glad you're a Julie follower, Melissa!! Please spread the word of her beautiful books to every reader you know. Thanks for your wonderful comments!!
DeleteBonnie, God bless you abundantly in your ministry.
ReplyDeleteWe've just coordinated Children's Christian Camp and this was our main verse (I want to leave it for you here): “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
Whatever we do, we do in His Glory!
Beautiful review...I'm eager to read your book Julie!
Blessings in your writing! You are very talented!
Natalya
Aw, Natalya, thank you SO MUCH for your sweet comment and the beautiful Scripture for our precious Bonnie!
DeleteGood luck in the contest and MEGA HUGS!
JULIE
Thank you so much for your blessing, beautiful comments and scripture, Natalya!! I do consider sharing the word about Christian Fiction books a ministry God has given me - there could be none any more spiritually rewarding than those of Julie Lessman. You have a treat in store with "His Steadfast Love"!!
Delete###Please leave you email address for contact purposes, should you be our winner.###
My e-mail: kykla99@gmail.com
DeletePraying for Bonnie! God knows the need and will grant it! Shelia Hall sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shelia -- we SO appreciate the prayers, my friend.
DeleteGood luck in the contest!
Hugs,
Julie
Thank you for blessing me with your prayers, Shelia - I so appreciate each one!! My faith in God and the prayers of each person help keep me positive and working at what I feel is His plan for me.
DeleteThank you for a beautiful review, Bonnie. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Melanie, thanks SO much for coming by, and here's to a win!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Thank you for your sweet comments, Melanie!! Hope you have the opportunity to read this beautiful book very soon!!
DeleteWow, this book sounds great! I'm such a fan of Julie Lessman! My email is elise_jehan at yahoo dot com. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elise, SO appreciate you reading my books! And if you haven't read the prequel novella to the Isle of Hope series, it's available for FREE DOWNLOAD right now.
DeleteAlso, if you like the prequel, you’re in luck because book 1, which was listed on Family Fiction magazine’s Top 15 Novels of 2015 and currently has a 5-star rating on Amazon with 222 reviews, is currently on a special e-sale of only 99 cents, so I hope you consider downloading that too!
Here is the link to A Glimmer of Hope and the link to my Isle of Hope page, which not only has great pix of the hero and heroine, but a number of excerpts, reviews, and a buy link. Good luck in the contest!
A GLIMMER OF HOPE
ISLE OF HOPE WEB PAGE
Hugs and Happy Reading!
Julie
Hi, Elise!! "His Steadfast Love" is a beautiful story which while entertaining will also encourage and give hope and inspiration. So glad you're a follower of Julie's, please don't miss any of her wonderful works.
Delete