Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.
Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, Silver Lining Ranch, and The Cousins O’Connor series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has
garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fictionmagazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-20, 2021 and 2023, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. Her independent novel A Light in the Window was an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner.
Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. Contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.
BLOG TOUR
October 1 — Radiant Light Blog (tease)
October 1 — LiteraryScape Book Club
October 2 — Grace Johnson Spotlight
October 3 — Britt Reads Fiction
October 4 — Where Faith and Books Meet
October 5 — A Baker’s Perspective
October 6 — My Favorite Pastime
October 7 — Reading is My SuperPower
October 8 — Writing Between the Lines
October 9 — Locks, Hooks, and Books
October 10 — Splashes of Joy
October 10 — Saraina Whitney Blog
October 11 — Radiant Light Blog (review)
October 12 — Miss Pippi Reads Blog
October 13 — Christian Bookaholic
October 14 — Grace Johnson Review
October 15 — Scraps of Life Blog
MY REVIEW
A Dare And A Prayer gave me all of the feels! I laughed, I cried, I got angry, then I got to experience those feelings over and over throughout the story! Henry is a lovable bad boy for sure. Usually it takes me awhile to even like the bad boy in a romance, but Henry is truly a likable character that makes you cheer for him when he gets his way. I admired Amy's character as she stood by her faith and continued to keep Henry at arms length. But, he is so darn likable he broke down those barriers quickly! The spiritual content of the novel was what I as a reader expect from author Julie Lessman. The spiritual lessons pack a punch, they convict, they remind, they are full of the rich truths of God's Word. The subject of human trafficking, specifically pedophilia, was hard to read. The author was careful yet able to show the awfulness in a truthful and powerful story woven throughout the novel. Once again we get glimpses of what is going on in the rest of the O'Conner's lives along with Hope and Gabe's weddings. As expected the author doesn't just wrap up everyone's life in this novel, she gives us rich dialogue, passionate characters, and huge life-changing moments throughout that keep the reader turning the pages eagerly to see what happens next. When I finished the last page I literally wanted to go back and read it again because I missed the characters so much. Henry, Amy and the rest of the crew had my heart as if they were real people, as if they were friends. If you have never read one of author Julie Lessman's O'Conner novels then I suggest you get to it! They are wonderfully epic stories that will give you all the feels! I highly recommend!
CHECK OUT JULIE’S CONTESTS!
In honor of A Dare and a Prayer’s book birthday, Julie has two contests going on where you can win the following:
GRAND PRIZE (2 chances to win!):
—$50 Amazon gift card or $25 Amazon gift card
—Choice of three of Julie’s e-books or one of her signed paperbacks
—A character named after you or a loved one in her next book and a signed paperback copy
—Your choice of one paperback from Julie’s list of top-selling CBA authors, including Tamera Alexander, Colleen Coble, Rachel Hauck, Denise Hunter, Robin Lee Hatcher, Nancy Naigle, Cara Putman, Deborah Raney, Katherine Reay, Becky Wade, and Beth Vogt.
RUNNERS-UP PRIZES (8 chances to win!):
—Choice of three of my e-books
—OR choice of one of my signed paperbacks (based on my private stash)
—OR choice of one paperback from a list of the above-mentioned top CBA authors (based on my private stash)
Julie's books are a delight. Very real, sometimes raw, but always genuine. I love each and every one!
ReplyDeleteKatie, thank you SO much for your sweet comment and your continuing support -- MUCH appreciated, my friend.
DeleteHugs!!
Her books NEVER disappoint! Always going above and beyond!! God Bless you Julie!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Eva -- I hope you continue to think so after reading Henry's story!
DeleteHUGS!!
thanks for sharing your review, the book sounds great
ReplyDeleteSo agree with your review,especially when you mentioned missing her characters. Julie's characters are the kind that involve you till the very end and even after that! I'm sure I'm not the only one who misses them after the turn of the last page. Thank you so much Julie for contining the saga of our favorite Irish family!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review, sounds great.
ReplyDeleteWow! This sounds really good!
ReplyDelete