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28 July 2011

Getting to know you Thursdays with Julie Lessman and giveaway

I am excited to welcome back Julie Lessman to my blog today. I have loved getting to know Julie over the past few years and she still likes me even though I admitted I don't like Gone With the Wind but I would love to see A Passion Most Pure as a movie. Julie is also giving away a copy of one of her books.


1. Can you tell us a little about yourself? 
I’m a high-energy Baby Boomer married for 33 years to a man who makes me feel like I’m living my own personal romance novel. We have two wonderful kids, a daughter-in-law and a soon-to-be granddaughter, who I’m praying likes to read romance! Out of a family of thirteen, I was the drama queen and the one enamored with books and movies. In fact, I started writing my debut novel A Passion Most Pure when I was twelve years old after reading Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind. But … it wasn’t until almost forty years later that God breathed new life into that early attempt and inspired me to finish my childhood novel of passion—only this time the “passion” would be for Him!

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books? 
Well, number one is no secret—Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. As mentioned above, this is the book that launched my romance-writing career at the tender age of 12! J I think I may be one of the few people around who actually LOVED Scarlett O’Hara … and don’t even get me started on Rhett Butler! Another all-time favorite of mine as a child was To Kill A Mockingbird—incredible storytelling!

3. Do you have a favourite genre to both read and write? 
My favorite genre to both read and write is historical romance (shock!), the bigger the book, the better, which explains the … ahem … length of my novels, although this will change in my new series, The Cousins McClare. For that series, which will release in April of 2013, I hope to keep book at about 300 to 350 pages versus my usual 500 or so! (Jenny here wow that will be a challenge!)

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you? 
Grin … at the risk of being redundant, Margaret Mitchell! From the moment I saw that white-hot attraction she created between Rhett Butler for Scarlett O’Hara, I was a goner on romance.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author? 
Lol … when I cracked the spine of Gone With the Wind at the age of twelve, of course! I immediately set out to write (along with thousands of other love-struck young girls, I’m sure), what I hoped would be “the great American novel.” Obviously my dreams of grandeur didn’t go anywhere (grin), but I did write 150 single-spaced pages of a story that is actually the basis for my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure. (Jenny again wouldn't it be good if in 10 - 20 years we I am interviewing new authors who were influenced by A Passion Most Pure)

6. How did you go about becoming an author? 
I took very specific and strategic steps toward publication. Here’s exactly what I did and what I tell all aspiring Christian authors:

1.) Join ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers at http://www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com/), FHL (Faith, Hope & Love at http://www.faithhopelove-rwa.org/) and RWA (Romance Writers of America at http://www.rwanational.org/), both to get connected with other like-minded writers and to learn a lot about your craft.
2.) Take a fiction-writing class or attend a writing seminar or conference.
3.) Join a critique group (you can do that through ACFW).
4.) Purchase and study writing books such as Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King or Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas, AND invest in a great thesaurus such as The Synonym Finder by Rodale Press (my writer’s bible!!).
5.) Enter contests for invaluable feedback, growth, confidence, networking opportunities and to get your name out there.
6.) Frequent websites/blogs that deal with writing, such as The Seekers (http://seekerville.blogspot.com/), a group blog that I belong to whose theme is “On the road to publication. Writing, contests, publication and everything in between.”
7.) Go for an agent first, publisher second.
8.) Then pray your heart out and put it in God’s hands.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be? 
Oh, gosh, either a psychologist or a motivational speaker, I suppose. Either way, I have a heart to encourage people, especially when it comes to having an intimate relationship with God. But the true desire of my heart is to be an author. And, WOW, to actually be an author who writes for God – pinch me!

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do? 
I love watching old movies (Gone With the Wind, That Touch of Mink, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Susan Slept Here are some of my favorites) and I especially like going out to dinner and a movie with my husband or snuggling with him while we watch a movie on “his” big-screen HD-TV.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?
Easy question! I would go to Ireland first because ever since Gone With the Wind, I have always been fascinated by the Irish. Then I would visit England next because our heritage is so steeped with that country’s influence.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why? 
Since this is a fun “what-if” question, I could NEVER limit myself to just 3, so I’m going to put a spin on it and tell you what three “groups” I would absolutely LOVE to make a dinner for: 1.) All my favorite bloggers, 2.) All my favorite author friends and 3.) The Seekers, which, by the way, I will have the opportunity to do when most of the Seekers come to my house for dinner the day before the ACFW conference this year, in my hometown of St. Louis. (Jenny again does that mean me? would love to have a meal with you)

Finally can you tell us about your upcoming book, A Heart Revealed? Also where we can find you on the web.

A Heart Revealed will be released August 15 on CBD.com and September 1st everywhere else. Book 2 in “The Winds of Change” series, it is the story of the oldest O’Connor brother, Sean O’Connor, a confirmed bachelor, and his sister’s best friend, Emma Malloy, a battered married woman. Here’s my own personal blurb:
The ring on her hand belongs to one man …
but her heart belongs to another.
As a battered woman, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston ten years ago, seeking shelter for a heart badly bruised by both her husband and guilt. But when she falls in love with Sean O’Connor, a man who wrestles with demons of his own, fear and shame almost destroy her … until she is finally set free by a heart revealed.
Thanks SO much, Jenny, for hosting me on your blog. Anyone who leaves a comment will be eligible to win a signed copy of any of my books, including my newest release, A Heart Revealed
I LOVE to hear from readers, so they can contact me through my Web site at www.julielessman.com, either by sending an e-mail via my site or by signing up for my newsletter at http://www.julielessman.com/sign-up-for-newsletter/. My newsletter is chock-full of fun info on my books and there’s always a contest featuring signed book giveaways including one right now to have a character named after you or a loved one in my next book. Also, I have a cool feature on my website called “Journal Jots” (http://www.julielessman.com/journal-jots/), which is a very laid-back weekly journal to my reader friends that would give your readers an idea as to my relaxed style of writing. Then finally, I can be found daily at The Seekers blog (http://seekerville.blogspot.com/), a group blog devoted to encouraging and helping aspiring writers on the road to publication.

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 13 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as “Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction” at http://www.borders.com/online/store/ListView_best2009favefiction. Chosen as #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also awarded #1 Series of the Year in that same poll and #3 Author of the Year, #5 Novel of the Year and #4 Historical Fiction Author of the year. She resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son and daughter-in-law and is the author of “The Daughters of Boston” series, which includes A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. Her “Winds of Change” series has recently released with A Hope Undaunted, which ranked #5 on Booklist’s Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010. You can contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.

For a chance to win a signed copy of one of Julie's books you need to answer a question from Julie. You need to answer the question to enter. Please leave a way to contact you if I dont already have your address, you can put the addy as myemail at email dot com.


Julie's question is: If you have read my books, which is your favorite? And if you haven't, why not? 
You have til Friday 5th August at 6pm  Australian time.

121 comments:

Judy said...

Julie, I haven't read any of your books yet because I have just found you as a new author (to me). I have been reading Amish fiction for years and even though I still like Amish fiction I thought it was time to branch out! Boy am I glad I did! I have you on my list of authors to read!

I loved the interview...we have something in common! I Loved the book, Gone With The Wind! It is my favorite of all times..I was a youngster when I first read it...ah romance! I love the movie, Gone With The Wind too!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Blessings,
judyjohn2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

Diana Flowers said...

First of all, I have read ALL of Julie's books. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I would have to say A Passion Most Pure. I loved getting to meet the whole O'Connor clan, and the sibling rivalry between the two sisters vying for one guy was great. That Charity was such a little stinker, but you couldn't help but love her!

dianalflowers@aol.com

Sheri Salatin said...

Awesome interview. Julie, you are very inspiring for wanna-be authors. I'm working on writing my first novel right now too. I've joined ACFW and have a group of 3 critique partners. Have not had the change to go any conferences yet, but I am reading writing craft books and entering contests.

Jenny, thank you so much for hosting this interview. Love the questions!

My favorite book that Julie has written is A Passion Most Pure. I felt drawn into the story immediately.

sheri.salatin(at)gmail.com

Dawn Janis said...

Julie,
I've read all of your books. My favorite is a Passion Most Pure. It's my favorite because of the way I impulsively bought it. The woman on the cover reminds me of Megan Follows as Anne of Green Gables (one of my favorite movies) and the man reminds me of Antiono Banderias in Zorro. And since the cover was so beautifully done, I picked up the book without reading the back of it. Once I got into the book, I'd had several I was reading at the time, I loved it!

I'd love to win an autographed copy of one of your books. My email is dawn(dot)janis(at)gmail(dot)com

Thanks a bunch for the excellent interview!

Julie Lessman said...

JUDY!!! Just the type of gal I want to meet -- a GWTW freak, just like me!! AND someone who hasn't read my books ... :)

Although I have to admit, I am a wee bit worried because you said you've been "reading Amish fiction for years." YIKES ... I'm afraid I am as far from Amish fiction as you will get as I am considered on the "edgy" side of Christian romance, which means there is LOTS of passion in my books -- both romantic and spiritual.

As a result, there are WAY more love scenes in my books, but also WAY more deeply blatant spiritual scenes than you will find in the general CBA romance market. That said, if you are not inclined toward heated romance (and heated romance with God as well), than my books may not be for you, so be warned!!

But you sound like JUST the type of reader friend I would love (the GWTW obsession really helps!!). Do you know I actually dressed up like a nun once in high school with a group of friends to go see a free showing of GWTW to the local clergy??? I was 16 and had NEVER seen the movie before because back then, they only released it every seven years. WOW, was it AWESOME!!! Uh, until the nuns from my high school saw me ... YIKES, I was in BIG trouble, but oh, SO worth it!! Good luck in the contest, Judy, and I truly hope you take to my books because I'd like to be friends with someone like you! :)

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

DIANA!!! I am SO glad you are one of the ones who ended up liking Charity because as you know, she is one of my favs ... especially in the next book, A Heart Revealed. LOVE that woman, and, of course, since she is Emma's best friend, she gets LOTS of page time along with a pretty juicy sub story about her and Mitch! ;)

And, yes, APMP seems to be the general consensus on the majority's favorite of my books, although in the DOB, APR is my fav and in WOC, AHU is hands-down my fav of ALL my books!!

Thank you for your incredible support, Diana, and for coming by to comment today.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

SHERI ... oh, girl, you have NO idea just HOW inspiring I can be for new authors!!! I got 45 rejections on APMP before it sold and actually won a booby-prize award at ACFW for the most rejections in a year (19 at that time) and then turned around two years later and won the ACFW Debut Book of the Year with that same book!! If that doesn't inspire you, girl, I don't know what will!! :) I am saying one for you RIGHT NOW that God will guide and direct your writing journey for Him and God bless you!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

DAWN ... grin ... the guy on the cover got everybody, I think -- isn't he a total hunk??? In fact, in my mini-blog, Journal Jots, this Friday, I am going to post the model head shot of the guy who posed for Collin, so you may want to stop by at Journal Jots.

Anyway, THANK YOU for reading all of my books, my friend, and I hope you like Emma and Sean's story as much as my hubby and crit partner -- it is their favorite. God bless you in the contest.

Hugs,
Julie

Carol Moncado said...

JUUUUUUUUUULIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!


Cannot wait for this one, darlin'! But you know that, I hope. Preordered months ago :D. Been waiting for this since Emma made it to Boston!

And adore your new pics!

But now I gotta give a final ;).

carolmoncado at gmail dot com

Kassidy said...

I LOVE YOUR BOOKS! You're one of my favorite authors:):) right now I'm reading A Passion Redeemed. I can't wait for the new one to come out, I kinda read them out of order:-)

My email- kassidynicole37@gmail.com

Sara said...

Hi, I came across your blog from Julie's tweet this morning and I love it! This inteview is great. I love learning new things about authors that I really enjoy.

Julie - I've read all of your books and though I loved them all, my favorite is A Hope Undaunted. I was really excited to see Katie get her own story after seeing her as the little sister in the first three books. Plus, it was great to see the street urchin, Cluny/Luke McGee grow up into a hunky guy set out to get Katie's heart! Loved it. And I cannot wait for A Heart Revealed to come out!

sara(dot)bofferding(at)gmail(dot)com

Livvie said...

Julie's question is: If you have read my books, which is your favorite? And if you haven't, why not?
----------------------------------

Well Luckily! Aha! I have read your books!I can't really answer this question on ground it can be used against me. ;-) In all honesty, I love books and it's very rare I finish one and go. "well that was a waste of time."

For Julie - My favourite would be A Passion Redeemed. I don't want to get into it, but Julie would know why, considering how Anti-Charity I was....

rainytuesdays at hotmail dot com
hopefully I get a little O'Conner luck, but goodluck and an early congrats to anyone who wins! :)

Donna said...

Julie Lessman has been one of my favorite Christian Romance authors, you get into one of her books and you just can't put it down! Thank you for writing with a Christian perspective.

Thank you again for sharing your wonderful gift!

dcharlene63@hotmail.com

Sandy said...

Julie,

I've read all your books and read your Journal Jots faithfully. Love your books and writing style. Your passion for romance and Jesus definitely shine through!

My favorite book would probably be A Hope Undaunted as that is a great beginning book of the new series and also catches you up with the sisters. Love the O'Connor family! Thanks for keeping the family around!

sagens(at)verizon(dot)net

Dawn Crandall said...

I LOVE ALL OF YOUR BOOKS, but if I must choose one over the rest, it would be 'A Hope Undaunted.' Although, that might only be because it was the last one I read. I love the way you write relationships between your characters; real, complex, emotionally-problematic relationships that keep me turning the pages. Even though your books are 400 pages... they aren't long enough! I remember reading the first one years ago, and thinking: "This is the kind of book I want to write." It must be the GWTW thing, because that was the book that made me want to write a book in the first place too!

crandallberries at gmail dot come

Ausjenny said...

Thanks all for your comments its great to wake up to comments. I dont know which book I like best all are good. I liked A passion Denied but then I liked them all.

Pam K. said...

I am fortunate to have read all of Julie's books so far. I love them all but since you are making me choose, I'd have to say "A Passion Most Pure" is my favorite. Partly because it was the first, my introduction to this fabulous series, but also because it is Faith and Collin's story. I am really looking forward to reading "A Heart Revealed" and would absolutely love to win a signed copy! Thanks for the interview and for giving away a copy of one of your books.
Blessings,
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

Julie Lessman said...

CAROL!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for preordering, darlin', and I have a feeling you're gonna love Emma's story. RT gave it a 4-star review and a good write-up, so hopefully that's a good sign.

Thanks for your sweet comment about the pics -- that was fun to do.

Hope the final went well ...

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

KASSIDY!!! I forgive you for reading them out of order because you said you "LOVE MY BOOKS"!!! Thank you for your kind comment and guess what? The heroine in book 1 of my "The Cousins McClare" series name is Cassady (Irish spelling) and I call her Cassie!!! Great name!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

SARA ... Thank you SOOO much -- AHU is my all-time fav too, so I always love it when a reader friend agrees with me on that. Cluny McGee is hands-down the best hero I've written to date, edging out Mitch by a hair. :) I hope you like Emma's story as well -- it's my hubby's and crit partner's fav, so good luck in the contest, sweetie, and thanks for coming by. MUCH appreciated!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

LIVVIE!!! I always know I can count on you to stand by Charity and me. APR is my favorite DOB book, even though AHU is my top fav. I wish you the luck of the Irish in this contest, sweetie, and here's to a win!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Aw, DONNA, what an incredibly sweet comment to make, you sweetheart, you!! And thank YOU for reading my books and for your encouragement -- SOOO appreciated!! Good luck in the contest!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

SANDY!!! Thank you SO very much, not only for reading my books but my Journal Jots too! And, yeah, if there's one thing I have an overload on, it's passion for Jesus and romance, so I'm glad that comes through in my writing.

And, YAY, for agreeing with me and Sara that AHU is your fav. Hopefully A Heart Revealed will be your new "fav," right??? Good luck!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

DAWN ... THANK YOU for joining the ranks of those of us who like AHU the best!! And especially THANK YOU for your kind comment about "the real, complex, emotionally-problematic relationships that keep (you) turning the pages." I love a lot of angst and drama in my books, but ironically, that's not a favorite of the general Christian market where more simple love stories are the preferred plotlines, so I really appreciate your comment. And, YAY, that GWTW motivated you to write, too!!! You go, girl!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

JENNY ... thanks again for having me on your blog this week, sweetie, and I love you even if you didn't like GWTW!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

PAM!!! APMP seems to be the top fav, so you are in good company. I sometimes wonder if the reason is that that was the first book in the series, like you mentioned. But Faith is a favorite of a lot of readers, too, as is Collin, so it's probably all of those reasons. Good luck in the contest, my friend.

Hugs,
Julie

Rebecca said...

I am sorry to say that I have not read any of your books. I will have to remedy that as soon as possible. Thanks for the chance to win one of your books.

agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jackie S. said...

Julie, it is hard to pick a fave....love all your books! Guess I would say A Passion Most Pure! I am anxious to read your newest....please enter me in the drawing! I LOVE your new pics; your daughter was right about long hair being perfect for you! I enjoy your Journal Jots!
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

Julie Lessman said...

REBECCA!!! Oh, girl, we are going to have to remedy that quickly, aren't we??? So if you don't win here, please check out my website calendar because I have other blog giveaways coming up, and your odds for winning are surprisingly quite high, so good luck in the contest, okay?

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, JACKIE, thanks, sweetie!! The pics were fun to take and SO overdue!! Thanks for the vote of confidence on long hair. I went shopping with my daughter today, and I didn't see one older gal with long hair, so I felt unique. And my husband would say if that means "different," then "yes, Julie, you definitely are a little 'different'!" :) Not sure if that's a compliment or not, but I'll take it!! Good luck, Jackie, and thanks for stopping by, sweetie.

Hugs,
Julie

Anonymous said...

Oh My Goodness! I can't believe I haven't read any of your books!!!
Great interview ... now I want to read them all.
Thanks for the links and tips

Ausjenny said...

Michelle good to see you here and this is open to Aussies also. I am sure you would love the book I have to admit the size of the book first scared me but it is a really good read.

Katie Marie said...

Hey Julie! That's an easy question for me, as I've only read one of your books! So, yes, A Passion Most Pure is my favorite! :-P I just finished reading it a little while ago and am still lost in Faith's world! Collin's (while a rogue at the beginning) is a dream!! ;-)

I'd love a chance at winning the next book in the series, A Passion Redeemed, so I can stop this suspense and find out what happens with Mitch and Charity!!!! :-)

~ Katy
agirlslegacy(at)yahoo(dot)com

Helen Wakefield said...

Would love to be in the running to win this book!

Julie, I have not read your books before because I have not heard of them before. This does not say anything about you, but it says volumes about where my head has been in the last decade (IT & babies!). But after reading your interview, and discovering you write what I call my "Golden Trifecta" (Romance, Historical & Christian!) I'm salivating.

helenblogspot[at]gmail[dot]com
(Jenny - great interview :))

Ausjenny said...

Thanks to all who have stopped in and I am so happy to see some Aussies here. for any Aussies Koorong has a 20% off for a couple of says and some of Julies books are there.

Charmaigne Beverly Ekaterina said...

Julie, I haven't read your books yet because I have a BIG to-read pile that I am wading through, and it's a bit unpredictable what I'll be reading next! It's all according to my mood. XD But I've been wanting to read your books for sometime - I've heard they are great. :-D God bless! My e-mail is hcgalley(at)msn(dot)com

Jenny, thanks for interviewing Julie! :-)

Julie Lessman said...

MICHELLE!!! OH MY DOUBLE GOODNESS, I CAN'T EITHER!!! We're going to have to see what we can do to get one in your hot little hands, girl, you hear? And if you do read them, PLEASE begin with book 1, A Passion Most Pure because this is not your typical romance novel where you know who she ends up with and there are a number of big surprises that would be ruined if the books are read out of order. And APMP won American Christian Fiction Writers Debut Book of the Year, so it's not a dog! :)

If you read it and like it, let me know, okay? And if not? Uh, never mind.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

LOL, Jenny, the size of my books has scared more than one person, I can tell you that! But thanks for the plug, sweetie.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

KATY!!! You did it -- you read APMP!! I'm SO proud of you, girl. :)

And, yes, now you must win A Passion Redeemed because it is my fav of the DOB series. Charity is a pistol and Mitch is to die for, so good luck in the contest, sweetie.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

HELEN ... IT AND BABIES??? Oh, girl, we need to get some sizzling romance into your hot, little hands ASAP!! And, LOL, your "Golden Trifecta," huh? Well, sweetie, put the accent mark on Romance and Christian because there is LOTS of passion in my books, both romantic and spiritual, so I hope they hit the spot for you. Good luck in the contest and thanks for stopping by.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

JENNY ... WOOT-WOOT FOR AUSSIES KOORONG!!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

CHARLA ... it's so good to hear that you've heard my books are great, so I hope you find out for yourself real soon, girl!! Keep in mind that they're pretty passionate (both romantically AND spiritually), so they are not your normal CBD romance novel, but God is HUGELY present, trust me. Good luck in the contest, and here's to a win.

Hugs,
Julie

cynthia said...

My favorite is A Passion Denied. I think that I relate to Lizzie the best out of all of the sisters. And I love the twists in that book as you wonder if she will ever get together with Brady.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

cynthiakchow (at) earthlink (dot) net

Beth K. Vogt said...

I will always love A Passion Most Pure. There's something about the first book you read in a series ...

Appreciate learning more about you, as well as your insights on writing.

Julie Lessman said...

CYNTHIA!!! I can't wait for you to read the next book in the series, either, girl!!! You would be shocked to know how many readers related to Lizzie most of all, which shocked me because I related to Lizzie least of all (Faith and Charity are my alter egos!!). BUT ... I think Lizzie was the most "normal" of all the sisters, which doesn't bode well for me, I guess. :) Only 17 days left to AHR!!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

I totally agree, BETH -- there IS always something about the first book in a series. And I think APMP is so different from the norm of CBA romance (i.e. not sweet and simple but a family saga instead with a very complicated plot, is VERY passionate with unexpected twists and turns and is downright emotionally draining as well as intensely spiritual), that it kind of surprises people at first, therefore making a strong impression.

Well, here's hoping A Heart Revealed can make a strong impression too. One of my dear reader friends for whom APMP was her all-time favorite said AHR is now her favorite, which is saying something. Hope you think so too!

Hugs,
Julie

Joetta said...

My favorite book is A Passion Most Pure... I am still re-reading it! I love ALL of Julie Lessman's books.. but, APMP really captured my heart (and my 3 daughters!)...it made me realize how I need to be more passionate about my relationship with God!
Counting the days until the new release!! Keep writing! and Julie I would say that you are both a psychologist and a motivational speaker thru your books, blogs and e-mails! You are a blessing!

Julie Lessman said...

JOETTA!!! Hey, girl, how the heck are you?? And can you believe AHR will be out in 17 days??? On CBD.com, that is, but maybe in some bookstores early, as you have discovered in the past. I don't even have my author copies yet, but soon, I hope!

A psychologist and motivational speaker??? Oh, that would curl some people's toes, I'm sure. Mostly I have a lot of boldness and passion for God, which is okay by me. And right back at you, my friend -- you and your family are a total "blessing" to me as well.

Hugs and more hugs,
Julie

Casey said...

Oh goodness, YES Julie's books need to be made into movies, ESPECIALLY A Passion Most Pure.

As for a fav?? Probably APMP, though right now it's a close tie with A Passion Denied, I've got an "itch" to read that one. :)

I would really love to be entered, I have a cousin who is new to Julie and LOVES her books. :)

Keep 'er up Julie. :)

caseym.writer(@)gmail(.)com

Julie Lessman said...

CASE!!! Thanks for turning your cousin onto my books -- MUCH appreciated!! And I'm "itching" to reread as well, which is something I always do right before my next book comes out -- I start with APMP and plow right through to the new release. Kind of refreshes the old brain on the story, you know? But the ones I'm really "itching" to reread are APR and AHU because Mitch and Luke are my all-time favs!!

Thanks for coming by, my friend, and good luck in the contest.

Hugs,
Julie

Anonymous said...

Dear Julie,
I absolutely love your books because the characters truly are living, breathing people with human emotions and passions. My favorite book is "A Passion Most Pure," because it underlines the idea that it is okay to be completely, passionately in love with someone, and still have a passion for God.
I relate to Faith the most because I've always been the classic 'good girl'-with a secret passion for the 'bad boys.' I'm counting the days until your next book is realesed. Your books are helping me to navigate through college, and college boys in the best way I can!
-Victoria
tkl1992@yahoo.com

Alex Brown said...

Hi Julie!

I would say my favoite would have to be A Passion Most Pure. It completely took my breath away when I read it. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely ADORE your other books too. Charity and Mitch's story is amazing (she makes me laugh! and Mitch is so sweet behind his temper), I feel Lizzie and Brady's pain so deeply, and I feel very connected to Kaite (being 5'2" and having check lists everywhere) , but APMP has a special place in my heart :)

I love Faith's passion, faith, and temper (especially her first meeting with Mitch!!); plus I totally fell in love with Collin for a little while after reading it :) I love how much he loves Faith (and God!) along with his brooding good looks and his constant desire to figure Faith out.

Thanks for writing them!!! I cannot wait for Sean and Emma's story! (Good thing I don't have to wait much longer :)).

Alex

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, VICTORIA, thank you SO much for your sweet comment!! I have to chuckle at your statement that, "I relate to Faith the most because I've always been the classic 'good girl'-with a secret passion for the 'bad boys.'" Move over, darlin', 'cause I'm right there with you on that. Why are "bad boys" SO darn appealing??? And then when they come to God, they are downright irresistible!!

You have NO idea how good it is to hear that my books "help you to navigate" through college and college boys because that is one of the MAIN reasons I write -- to help women like you learn the truth before you make mistakes like I did. Waiting for a relationship with God in the middle is SO vital to one's marriage, that I long to see more woman understand that.

Thanks again, Victoria, not only for reading my books, but for taking time to encourage me.

Hugs and good luck in the contest!
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

ALEX!!! Hey, girl, SO good to see you here, my friend!! Hope you are enjoying your summer.

One of my reader friends told me that APMP was hands-down her favorite, but when she came to visit me a few months ago, I let her read the ms. for A Heart Revealed, and she says it is now her new favorite!! So I hope that bodes well for the book, WHICH comes out in exactly 16 DAYS!!!

Be sure to let me know what you think after you read it, okay??? And have a GREAT rest of the summer, my friend.

HUGS,
JULIE

Joetta said...

Julie,
Thanks so much telling me about CBD... I pre-ordered the book... hoping I get my hands on the book before my sister! haha...
counting the days... the poor mailman better watch out when he delivers that HOT package! and I will definitely be serving frozen meals to the family so I can READ! (the book in order of course!) I promise NOT to read the last chapter, no matter how tempting it may be!

Tracy Smith said...

No, I haven't read any of your books as of yet because you are a new author to me. They sound absolutely wonderful, though, so I will have to definitely look into them! I am seriously loving all these Christian and historical romances that I am finding. Thank you for hosting this giveaway.

Have a wonderful day!
countrysunset40 (at) aol dot com

Julie Lessman said...

JOETTA ... my newsletter goes out next week, so if you don't get it, can you let me know?

And, grin, I will hold you to that promise on not reading the last chapter, girl ... :)

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

TRACY, YOU SWEETHEART, YOU!!! Cannot believe you hightailed it over here to leave a comment!!! See??? This is what I mean about you -- you are something special, girl, so THANK YOU for coming by, and here's to a win!

Hugs,
Julie

Amy said...

I think my favorite book is "A Passion Denied". I love that Lizzie always knew Brady was for her.

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, AMY -- Thanks for coming by and commenting. That is kind of cool that Lizzie loved Brady since she was a young girl. Wonder if that happens in real life???

Good luck in the contest!

Hugs,
Julie

Melissa Jagears said...

one of your comments said APMP was their favorite until this one. Well, my fav is APMP, so we'll see if I follow suit! rmjagears AT gmail DOT com

Julie Lessman said...

MELISSA ... yup, my newsletter comes out next week, and in the "I love my readers" section, the first pic is the reader friend who read AHR and said it is now her fav, so we shall see how this book plays out with the rest of my readers. Personally, my fav is AHU, but both Sean and Emma are such special people in this book that I can see why my reader friend felt that way. And then, of course, both my hubby and my crit partner think Emma and Sean's story is my best yet too, so time will tell! :)

Good luck in the contest!

Hugs,
Julie

Jillian Kent said...

Julie,
I just finished a Passion Denied last night! Loved it soooo much! It was so real to life. I can't wait to read your new series. I have the first one and look forward to this one as well. If I don't win it I'll get it from you in September at ACFW. Are you going?
Smiles and Hugs,
Jill
jilly11(at)cinci(dot)rr(dot)com

Julie Lessman said...

JILL!!! SOOOO great to see you here, my friend!! Hope your sales are going gangbusters on your debut book, Secrets of the Heart, which as you know, I LOVED!!

And I'm THRILLED you enjoyed Denied, but even more excited to see what you think of the next one, A Hope Undaunted, which is my all-time FAV of my books.

YES, I am going to ACFW (uh, it's in my hometown of St. Loo, so let them try and keep me away!!), plus I am teaching a workshop with Ruth Axtell-Morren, so you will definitely see me there, my friend.

Good luck in the contest, Jill, and again, thanks for coming by!

Hugs,
Julie

Jillian Kent said...

I mustn't have had enough coffee this am before church. Of course you're going to ACFW! I signed up for, A Kiss Is Not Just a Kiss! That class is bound to be fun with you and Ruth!

Stacie VanE said...

Julie,
I have not read your books yet, but they look and sound like exactly the bookes I like to read. I've heard great things about you as an author.

Stacie

Julie Lessman said...

YAY, JILL ... you mean I'm going to have at least one person who is coming to our class??? THANK GOD!!!

Yep, they can't very well keep me away in my home town, now can they? And why should you know that? Did you know I live in St. Loo???

This is going to be a FUN conference, isn't it? Can't wait to give you a hug, my friend.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

STACIE!!! Oh, I just LOVE finding people who haven't read my books, girl!! They're pretty "edgy" by CBA romance standards, so be warned!! But somehow, as a lover of Steampunk (yes, I did check out your Blogger page!), they may be just up your alley. And speaking of Steampunk, I am a member of the Seekers blog, a blog for writers, and today's Weekend Edition has Steampunk overtones, so check it out! The link is:

www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

If you DO read one of my books, PLEASE start with A Passion Most Pure, okay, due to a number of big surprises that would be ruined in this family saga. Then if you like it, let me know. If not ... uh, never mind! :)

Hugs,
Julie

Whitney said...

Oh, I'm in for this! I read the summary for A Hope Undaunted, but didn't read it for a while. Finally, I bought it, and I spent all day reading it till I finished! Although I had seen your other books I didn't know they were in any way related to A Hope Undaunted, so of course, I went back and read those, too, but A Hope Undaunted is still my favorite. I love Luke and Katie, and Luke's background and his closeness with his friends. This might be a spoiler, but I hope Parker finds a good, happy life and you let us know in one of your books!

My email address is road_to_avonlea_17(at)yahoo(dot)com

Whitney

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, WHITNEY, I am SOOO thrilled AHU is your favorite because as I have said in several comments above, it is my fav of all the books I've written. Gosh, I think Luke McGee has to be one of the finest heroes around -- so selfless and charasmatic, and Katie is (like another fav of mine, Charity), such a hoot.

It's funny about Parker because my husband felt the say way, even wanting me to give him his own book where he could fall in love despite the path he chose.

Thanks for coming by, Whitney, and good luck in the contest. I hope you like AHR as well as AHU!

Hugs,
Julie

skeeton4 said...

Hands down, my favorite book is A Passion Most Pure. I fell in love with Collin myself and I hope I can meet a guy just like him one day. And Faith was just a lovable character. A close second is A Passion Redeemed, again because of the characters and the story. The last two published come in third and fourth place because I wasn't really as drawn into the story as with the first two books. Keep the books coming, Mrs. Lessman!

Julie Lessman said...

SKEETON4: Wow, I can't believe A Passion Redeemed was a close second for you because most people who liked APMP best generally hated Charity with a passion! It's funny how every reader (and me!) relate differently to each story in the two series. I love the DOB series, but it's AHU that has won my heart as my fav. I will certainly do my level best to keep the books coming, sweetie, so thanks for coming by and good luck in the contest.

Hugs,
Julie

Ausjenny said...

I didn't hate Charity was annoyed with her wanted to hit her but I felt for her too as in APMP some of the reasons for her thinking were explained. I loved seeing her evolve.
I have still to read Katies story and know it will be great. Just haven't gotten there yet but I will its actually by my bed now.

Thanks to all who are posting it makes me feel good to see so many comments for Julie.

Jo said...

Julie, I haven't read any of your books yet but not because I am not familiar with your books yet. I thoroughly enjoyed your interview and am going to check out your books.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Julie, thus far I have read the Daughters of Boston series and am definitely going to read all that you have written. You are certainly one of my all time favorite authors and a new book is cause for celebration. Of the Daughters of Boston series, I think the first, A Passion Most Pure is my fav.
I, too, am a GWTW fan. I think I was the only kid in high school to read it just because I wanted to, not because it might be required.
I would love to win one of your books.
My email is wonderbook@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Karen

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

Julie, I absolutely love your new picture! As far as your books all go, I have read them all, so I have been looking forward to this one since the last book came out. I've been hoping that Emma would get a book. Now she has one! I'd love to read it.

Wendy said...

I would love to read your newest book. Congrat's on it!
wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

Julie Lessman said...

JENNY ... SO glad you didn't actually "hate" Charity because she is the character who "evolves" the most in the two series, and yet remains "Charity" through it all -- funny, quirky, romantic and loyal to a fault. I absolutely LOVE her!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

JO -- say it ain't so!!! You know, I gotta tell you that your addy is so familiar (ladijo), that I could have sworn you were one of my readers. We are going to have to get one of my books into your hot, little hands soon, girlfriend! Please check out my website calendar for additional blog giveaways because I am only having ten this year vs. my usual 40 or so, okay?

And if you do check out my books, as I mentioned above (ad nauseum!), PLEASE start with book 1, A Passion Most Pure, okay?

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

KAREN, BLESS YOU, my friend, not only for your kind words, but for being a GWTW fan like me!! Good luck in the contest, sweetie.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

MICHELLE!!! How the heck are you, my friend?? And thank you for your sweet comment on the pics -- it's amazing what Photoshop can do, you know??

And SUPER CONGRATS on the new arrival, your new book "Their Separate Ways." LOVE the cover, and of course, I already know I'm going to LOVE what's inside as well. :)

As far as my next book, A Heart Revealed, it seems that quite a few people have been hoping Emma (and Sean) would get their own book, so it's high time, I guess. I really wanted Emma to be the kind of character that Francine Rivers created in Hadassah from the Mark of the Lion series -- scarred on the outside, but beautiful on the inside, and I hope I came close. Although, my editor asked me to spiff Emma up a bit more because that's just the way it is in romance -- you have to have a heroine who's attractive to the hero, after all.

I SO wish you were going to ACFW, Michelle, but I know it's been a tough year emotionally for you, so I hope you are getting back to normal, my friend.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

WENDY ... Thank you for the congrats, my friend, and good luck in the contest!

I'm still praying for you, you know, because once on my prayer "hit list," one stays for quite a while ... :)

Hugs,
Julie

Teresa Mathews said...

Julie I found "A Passion Most Pure" at my local library last fall and I think I "devoured it" in just a few hours...well maybe the next day. LOL Then I HAD to read the rest of the series, and also "A love Undaunted". I can hardly wait for the next one to come out. I think "A Passion Most Pure" was my favorite, then I read "A Passion Redeemed" and it was my favorite, then I read "A Passion Denied" and it was my favorite. Do you see a pattern here??? LOL! I will confess at first I DID NOT like Charity, AT ALL! Then she kinda grew on me!

I also read "A Hope Undaunted". I think this really was my favorite, I loved Katie when she was the sassy "baby-girl" and I really liked her as a grown-up taking on Cluny.

Thank you for using the talents that God gave you, keep up the good work and keep those books coming. tsmathews61@gmailcom

Julie Lessman said...

TERESA!!! LOL ... you are too cute, you know that?? A pattern, yes, and one I think I like ...

THANK YOU for loving AHU the best because it is SO my favorite and I am anxious to see what you think of AHR because it has already become the fav of a good reader friend who was sold down the river on APMP before she read AHR.

Good luck in the contest, Teresa, and here's to a win!

Hugs,
Julie

Jennifer said...

I love all of Julie's books!!! I have to say though A Passoin Most Pure is still my favortie!!! I think it really sets the tone of the others very well. It really gives a sense of who all the characters are. Thank you for such wonderful books Julie! I cannot wait for the latest installment!!!!

Jennifer
jmschwindt0306 at gmail dot com

Lizzie said...

Julie,

My favorite book of yours is A Passion Denied because the summer that I read it (the summer it came out) that book was literally retelling my life that year! Here are some of the reasons:
1. My name is Elizabeth Louise, but almost everyone calls me Lizzie and my family and some close friends call me Lizzie-Lou
2. At the time I had a HUGE crush on a boy that was 3 years older than me, the boy thought of me as a little sister (just like Brady did with Elizabeth)
3. I only referred to the boy that I had a crush by his last name (his last name is Bass and to me that WAS his name) just like everyone does with Brady.

I also share a similarity with the character Katie; I have psoriasis. Faith and I are similar because like Faith I am "a twin-less twin". My twin sister died shortly after we were born because we were born 3 months premature and her lungs weren't developed.

I am so excited for your new book!
God Bless!
-Lizzie
elrubens@bellsouth.net

Julia said...

This is a hard one! I read A Passion Most Pure and was immediately drawn into the story! I would have to say that is my favorite just because it drew me into the series.(But I like ALL ove them!) I am constantly checking to see when the new one is coming out and keeping my eye on my library to get it when they finally get it! Right now I have A Hope Undaunted sitting in a bag waiting to be read on my up-coming trip! Let me tell you...the wait is super difficult!!!
I'm excited to get A Heart Revealed when I am able to :-)

Thanks for writing these great stories :-)

Julie <><

julianapper@gmail.com

Penelope Powell said...

Julie,

I have read your books. But, I am hard pressed to pick a favorite. Maybe A Passion Redeemed.

I am eager to read how you help Emma overcomes how she is scarred, both physically and emotionally.

Penelope Powell

pol said...

wonderful interview by AusJenny, glad to see you on her blog, I have read the Daughters of Boston series and loved them and am looking forward to your newest A Heart Revealed, Sean and Emma's story sounds very interesting. thanks for sharing your talant and congrats on your latest awards.
Paula O (kyflo130@yahoo.com)

Julie Lessman said...

Thanks, JENNIFER -- I think APMP sets the tone for the rest of the books too, which is why I'm a nag about people reading these books in order! :)

Good luck in the contest, sweetie.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

LIZZIE!!!! How TOTALLY cool is that, girl??? That just warms my heart to hear how much APD was in sync with your own life. And I LOVE the name "Lizzie-Lou," which is why I had Lizzie's best friend call her that, so how fun!!

And I don't know if you know this, but the reason Katie O'Connor has psoriasis is because I have psoriasis and the story in the book where the nun asked her if she was a leper and the other kids made fun of her is ALL TRUE because it happened to me. Even the part how she shed her knee socks and sweaters in the 5th grade, and the sun cleared the psoriasis up!! YEP, that's exactly what happened to me, so I REALLY relate to you, sweetie. Hope the condition is not too bad. Mine has actually gotten WORLD'S better as I've gotten older, so there is hope.:)

Cannot believe you had a twin who died -- that must be so heartbreaking and I bet you miss her at times even though you never met her.

Thanks for your comment, Lizzie-Lou, and good luck in the contest, sweetie.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

JULIA ... oh, girl, if there was any book of mine I'd want to read on vacation (uh, and did!!), it's A Hope Undaunted because I love, love, LOVE Cluny McGee!!! And Katie, too, for that matter. Hope you like it as much as I do. :) And then when you get back from vacay, then A Heart Revealed will be ready and waiting for you ... if you win here, that is! Good luck!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

PENELOPE ... Oh girl, I like you already!! APR is my FAV of the DOB series because God help me, I just LOVE Charity O'Connor and then don't even get me started on Mitch ... hubba, hubba!! And if you are eager to see how Emma overcomes her physical and emotional scars AND you like Charity, you are going to LOVE A Heart Revealed, my friend. Charity is SUCH a hoot in that book and Emma is just flat-out wonderful. Let me know what you think after you read it, okay, and thanks for coming by.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

PAULA ... and thank YOU for reading my books and looking forward to the next one -- MUCH appreciated!! Good luck in the contest, sweetie.

Hugs,
Julie

Ann Lee Miller said...

My fav is A Passion Most Pure because Faith sacrifices everything to follow what she knows God wants her to do.

Ann_Lee_Miller[at]msn[dot]com

Pam Hillman said...

What a great day in AusJennyville! 95 comments and the night is still young!

Julie, I loved all your books, but my fav was A Passion Most Pure. Collin McQuire. Be still my heart! lol

Love ya, girl! And YOU TOO, Jenny!!

apple blossom said...

I'm a fan of Julie's she sold me with her first book. thanks would love to win her newest book thanks for the chance to win.

Julie,
love the new photos


ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Julie Lessman said...

ANNIE, GIRL -- what are you doing here??? You've already won every book I have including A Heart Revealed, so are you Christmas shopping???

Seriously, I always love to see your name pop up, Ann, so THANK YOU for stopping by. And I'd say good luck in the contest, but you don't need it! ;)

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

PAMMY!!! Always SO great to see one of my Seeker buds here, girlfriend, so THANK YOU!! And, yes, Collin McGuire is a definite hunk, but there's just something about Mitch and Luke that flutters my pulse!

WAHHHHH!!! Only a few more chapters of Jake, and then it'll be over, but I don't want it to end!!!! Soooo good, Pam, seriously, and I can't wait to write my review and feature you on Journal Jots. I'll let you know when, okay?

And if anyone wants a REALLY great book, go download Pam Hillman's "Stealing Jake" on Amazon right now -- it's free for a limited time, and you WILL thank me!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

ABI!!! How the heck are you, girl? Hard to believe AHR will be out in just TWELVE DAYS (on CBD.com, that is!), so I'm anxious to see what you think of it, my friend.

And thank you for your kind words about the pics. Figured I better get them done before I get too old to even want a picture on my books!! Good luck in the contest, sweetie.

Hugs,
Julie

Ausjenny said...

Pam I cant believe it 100 comments more than ever before.

Julie you wont want Pams book to end I know I didn't but I loved it too.
and I agree get a copy while you can.

Pam is on my blog Thursday so I hope we have lots of comments here again.

Nancye said...

I haven't read any of Julie's books yet because I just found you here tonight! I am looking forward to reading them.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Julie Lessman said...

JENNY ... (smile) keep in mind half the comments are mine, sweetie! Now if there really were a 100 reader comments, then that would be something to write home about. :)

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

PAMMY!!! You're here on Thursday??? YAY ... I'll be back!!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

NANCYE!!! YES ... we have to get a book in your hands, girl, by hook or by crook or by contest or friend -- whatever!! If by contest, you may want to check out my website calendar as I have a few more blog giveaways coming up, and they really are a great and easy way to win a book. I've won tons myself that way, and one of the commenters up above have won at least 3 or 4 of my books, so the odds are good. Give it a shot, and here's to a win!

Hugs,
Julie

Krista said...

I can't wait for "A Heart Revealed"... I've been looking forward to this book for a LONG time. Anyways... I've read all your books and I have to say that "A Passion Denied" is my favorite- Lizzie is one of my absolute favorite book characters! :)

krh_moses_lake(at)yahoo(dot)com

Alli said...

I don't know if I could pick which one of Julie's books would be my favorite b/c they're all just SOOO darn good!!! A Passion Most Pure and A Hope Undaunted would be my two that would tie for first place, but I guess if I had to choose between them...it'd be A Hope Undaunted because IT HAS MY NAME IN IT!!!!! (I was one of the winners in a contest!) :-D

I love you, Julie!! You are the best! I know of NO OTHER AUTHOR out there who takes as much time and energy as you do to stay so closely and personally connected with each and every one of her readers who contact her!! You are amazing!!!!

love,
Alli

allimo81[at]gmail[dot]com

Ausjenny said...

Julie I do understand but my highest before was 47 posts and that included many from the author.

Thanks to all who are posting it makes my day and Im am sure makes Julies day.

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, KRISTA -- YAY, a vote for A Passion Denied!! I have to say that it seems as if Lizzie is the character that most of my readers seem to relate to, so she obviously is the most "normal" of the four sisters. Which, ironically, is why I guess I relate to her the least -- I'm not all that normal!! :) Lizzie is even keel -- not over the top spiritually like Faith and not over the top in antics and carnality like Charity. Just nice and sweet and normal. :) I think you will fall in love with Emma for much the same reason. She is such a calm, even-keel woman that she even calmed me down, which is hard to do! :)

Good luck in the contest, sweetie.

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

ALLI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sooooo good to hear from you, my friend, and I saw you sent me an e-mail too, which I hope to return soon.

And, sweetie, when I have reader friends like you who support me to the nth degree, how can I NOT stay personally connected???

And guess what? You are in AHR A LOT because Alli Moser works with Emma and it's Emma's story, so there are a lot of scenes with Alli too. :)

Let me know what you think of it when you finish, okay?

Love you!

Julie

Julie Lessman said...

JENNY ... Yes, people who take the time to bless me and you with comments DO make my day, so thank you to each and every one of you! And especially to Jenny for having me here this week.

Hugs,
Julie

Paige said...

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'd have to say that A Passion Most Pure is my favorite of Julie's books.

APMP is one of the only books I've read that I can pick up and start reading at any point in the book. It's always nice to find an author who can incorporate amazing romance, but still have God at the center of it. Julie has time and again drawn me in to every single one of her books because of those traits.

I've been waiting for Emma and Sean's story for awhile and hope I'll win!

Thanks so much,
Paige
misscurlyq@roadrunner.com

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, PAIGE, thank you SO much, sweetie, for your very kind words -- MUCH appreciated!

Only 12 more days till AHR is available on CBD.com and only 27 for Amazon.com and bookstores!!!

Since A Heart Revealed is the fav of my hubby, crit partner and a die-hard APMP reader friend, I'm hoping you will like it too.

Good luck in the contest!

Hugs,
Julie

Ashley (Ibreath2read) said...

@Ausjenny- I see your name all over the net, so I'm so glad I got the chance to vist your awesome blog. And loved the interview, of course. You can never learn enough about one's favorite author. :-)

@Julie- hey Mrs.Lessman, I am beyond excited about AHR coming out, I'm practically living at Barnes & Noble for the next months until it comes out. In fact, Abigail (friend who adores your books too) and I are going their to have our own private release party together for a AHR. Oh, and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE(!!!!) your new pictures. Your beautiful enough to be on one of your own romance novel with one of those crazy cute male models. ;-D but I bet Mr.Lessman would make a handsome hero too.
Love Y'all

I95fahrenheit(at)ymail(dot)com

Ashley (Ibreath2read) said...

And I almost forgot, but my all-time favorite Julie Lessnman book would of course be A Passion Most Our. But A Hope Undaunted comes in at a close second favorite. Their all amazing though, so it's hard to choose JUST one! :-D LOL
Love Ya,
Ashleey

Julie Lessman said...

ASHLEY!!! WOW, it's soooo good to see your sweet face pop up (and Cuppycake's!!). Thanks you SO very much for your incredible support, my friend, and I cannot WAIT to see what you and your friend think of AHR because good opinions somehow mean so much more from my favorite reader friends like you!!

LOL ... and thanks for raving on the pics, but I doubt Collin, Mitch, Brady and Luke would want to pose with me since I'm old enough to be their grandmother (well, maybe not Mitch's, I hope ... :) And, YES, my hubby would have made an incredibly hunky book-cover model in his day. As I recall, he was considered the "hottest" commodity at work for a number of years, and I snagged him -- YAY!!!

I am SO glad AHU comes in close to APMP as a fav of yours 'cause I SO love that book!! Now I'm excited to see if AHR pushes to the top!!

Thanks for coming by, Ashley, and good luck in the contest, my friend.

Hugs,
Julie

Breanna said...

I've read all of Julie's books and my favorite is A Passion Most Pure...but a Passion Denied comes in close second because I looove Lizzy and Brady!

bberry96(at)aol(dot)com

Julie Lessman said...

TAMARA ... Thanks for your kind words and for coming by, sweetie! Lizzy and Brady are pretty special and have a special story in the final O'Connor book, book 3 of The Winds of Change series, A Trust Restored. Good luck in the contest!

Hugs,
Julie

Martha A. said...

Julie.....I love all your books! How can I pick a favorite??? That is like picking a favorite child!
martha(at)lclink(dot)com

Julie Lessman said...

Aw, MARTHA, what a sweet thing to say!! Thank you SO much! I hope you like AHR as well, my friend.

Hugs,
Julie

Liz R said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
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