Diana's Review Of 'Isle Of Hope' By Julie Lessman

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!

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This awesome book may be purchased through Amazon.

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!





Noela reviews ISLE OF HOPE by Julie Lessman

Isle of Hope

Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love - Isle of Hope series, Book 1

by Julie Lessman

Julie Lessman; 1 Edition (November 1, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 (shining) Stars *****

Rich in romance, reconciliation, and restoration

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

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

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

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

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Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing 

love surrounds the one who trusts in Him. - Psalm 32:10

You can find ISLE OF HOPE for a bargain price at: AMAZON

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

Launch Party for Debbie Lynne Costello with Giveaway

Celebrate with us! "The Letter" in this year's A Cup of Christmas Cheer

                         Heartwarming Tales of Christmas Past

View more inspiration for “The Letter” at
 https://www.pinterest.com/debbielynne1/the-letter/

Some of the best gifts this season will be delivered via mail. Packages, boxes, gift certificates, and cards send our love, especially at Christmastime. And such is the case in Debbie Lynne Costello’s short story “The Letter” debuting in Guidepost’s A Cup of Christmas Cheer 2014. 

This touching story depicts a family torn by pride and separated by war who receives a life changing message of God’s healing and redemption, wrapped in an unassuming white envelope and sent via the United States Postal Service.

Despite a little postal intervention, holiday goodwill doesn't kindle easily, at least to a young war widow trying to raise her children without the help and support of her pampered mother-in-law. Only a Christmas miracle will melt the ice around the proud matron’s heart to embrace the best gift of all—family. But will nerves frazzle before the frost thaws between them?

Set at the end of World War II, after most surviving soldiers have returned home and families are rebuilding lives with or without loved ones, this story captures the high emotion of our country celebrating its first peacetime Christmas since before Pearl Harbor. 

Like all of Debbie Lynne Costello’s stories, it features a strong southern heroine whose courage is a pillar to her family, a touching tribute to the women who served at war-work while their men braved the battlefield. But will this struggling widow’s faithfulness prove enough to turn hard hearts and reconcile the past? 

Patriotism, forgiveness, and personal character abound in this beautiful story that will surely enrich every reader’s appreciation of family, home and country. Read this heartwarming story where God’s grace is the overarching theme, making miracles--both big and small--possible at Christmastime.

Celebrate with Debbie Lynne on her debut by entering to win this gift bag full of Christmas goodies to enjoy or to pass along to loved ones.  

Leave a comment about a special gift you sent or received in the mail with your email addy, and this prize package could be yours.

Cuddle up in this Christmas fleece with a tall cup of gourmet Godiva chocolate coffee and nibble on these toffees as you read A Cup of Christmas Cheer 2014. A papier-mâché mailbox holds handmade historical note cards, or use to store your own Christmas treasures. Cherish original sheet music from the era, and proudly display these ornaments that capture the historical ambiance of this story.

Another winner will receive a set of the 2013 collection of A Cup of Christmas Cheer (with Carrie's short story "Snowed In" and another commenter will receive the 2014 set of A Cup of Christmas Cheer, volumes 3 & 4, with Debbie Lynne's story!!!

Purchase your own copy of the Guideposts collection here: http://www.shopguideposts.org/catalog/product/view/id/2084

Connect with Debbie Lynne Costello on her blog, http://theswordandspirit.blogspot.com/

and facebook https://www.facebook.com/debbielynnecostello?fref=ts  

Leave a congratulatory comment here for Debbie Lynne for a chance to win one of these three prizes!