Today, I'm so EXCITED to introduce to you my good friend (twin sister. Not really but we both feel like we are) and FABULOUS author, Julie Lessman!!! Julie has written a wonderful Christmas story that is also a prequel to both her Winds of Change and Daughters of Boston series. (If you haven't read those, you're really missing out!!) Anyway, I had the privilege of reading her Christmas story, A Light in the Window, on my flight out to Tennessee and I'm telling you, this is her BEST book yet. Which is hard to do, since I love them all.
Julie is graciously giving away a Kindle (or E-book) copy to one lucky winner!! So, read on and find out how to enter!!
Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of
“Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and
romance. American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and
winner of 14 RWA awards, Julie Lessman was voted #1 Romance Author of the year
in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and
2011 Readers Choice Awards, as well as #1 Historical Fiction Author, #3 Author,
#4 Novel, #3 Series, and Booklist’s
2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction. Julie resides in Missouri with her husband,
daughter, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter and is the author of “The
Daughters of Boston” series—A Passion
Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, A Passion Denied and the “Winds of Change”
series—A Hope Undaunted, A Heart
Revealed, A Love Surrendered. You can contact Julie through her website and
read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.
One Woman. Two Men.
One stirs her pulse and the other her faith.
But who will win her heart?
Marceline Murphy is a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues. But when two of Boston's most notorious pursue her, she encounters a tug-of-war of the heart she isn’t expecting. Sam O’Rourke is the childhood hero she’s pined for, the brother of her best friend and a member of the large, boisterous family to which she longs to be a part. So when his best friend Patrick O’Connor joins in pursuit of her affections, the choice seems all too clear. Sam is from a family of faith and Patrick is not, two rogues whose wild ways clash head-on with Marcy’s—both in her faith and in her heart.
While overseeing the Christmas play fundraiser for the St. Mary’s parish soup kitchen—A Light in the Window—Marcy not only wrestles with her attraction to both men, but with her concern for their spiritual welfare. The play is based on the Irish custom of placing a candle in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome the Holy Family, and for Marcy, its message becomes deeply personal. Her grandmother Mima cautions her to guard her heart for the type of man who will respond to the "light in the window," meaning the message of Christ in her heart. But when disaster strikes during the play, Marcy is destined to discover the truth of the play’s message first-hand when it becomes clear that although two men have professed their undying love, only one has truly responded to “the light in the window.”
Hello, MaryLu here. Here's my review!!
I've been a fan of Julie's books for a long time now. There's just something about her characters that draws you into their lives and hearts until you feel like you've made a whole set of new best friends. Having read all of her prior books about the O'Conner clan, needless to say, I was so excited to finally read about how it all started with Marcy and Patrick. I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I was elated! This book made a 5 hour flight out east speed past in what seemed like minutes! It's the perfect Christmas story that will warm your heart and put you in the mood for the holidays like no other book. It's all about love and family and friends and Christmas plays and charity and helping those in need and walks in the snow, warm cookies in the oven, hot chocolate, and everything that reminds you of Christmas. But it's even so much more than that. There's a deeply embedded theme of what true love really is and the difference between passion and sacrifice and how to lean and trust in God to guide the way when everything seems muddled... it's an incredible story! One that every young person should read. One that resonates with us all. Don't miss this wonderful book! Let it put a smile on your face and warm your soul this Christmas.
Hey, and Julie is also giving away a Free Kindle on her Light in the Window Blog Tour. Click on the Icon below for more details!
So, here's how to enter. Leave a comment with a remark about Julie, her books, or what you read about A Light in the Window, or anything about the excerpt! Easy peasy, eh??
Winners will be chosen on Saturday, December 1st!!! (When I say winners, I've decided to throw in a free copy of Julie's book too!) So tell your friends...
Fri Nov 16th,
ReplyDelete"Morning, MaryLu and Julie" (or .... 'twin sisters') ....
I would absolutely love to win a copy of "A Light in the Window", an Irish Christmas love story. The story sounds wonderful; I love anything to do with the Irish/Ireland; and to date, I have read none of Julie's books ... which I hope to rectify soon !
Thanks for sharing about Julie and her newest novel with us, MaryLu.
Take care, and, God Bless,
In Him, Brenda Hurley
brennie7@hotmail.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOh man! The plot of the story sounds so exciting! I definitely would love to get my hands on it! A story with conflicting love, who is going to end up with who, is definitely mine kind of story! So complicated! ;D
ReplyDelete(P.S. I'm the author who deleted the comment because I found grammar error that I HAD to fix!) Lol
I am so excited about this book and would love to check it out even if I don't win it! I love Christmas stories and I'm part Irish, so this ought to be great for me. Thank you, Mrs. Tyndall, for posting contests and book reviews like this one, because I love to find new authors that I haven't tried before! Good luck to all and Merry CHRISTmas!
ReplyDeleteCallie
About Julie's book... what more can I say than they are all great! Just finished A Love Surrendered recently. I'm a bit sorry this is only an e-book, so I can't put it on my shelf with the others=(
ReplyDeletePatty
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Julie Lessman is a new Author to me, so I'd love to read this book, A Light in the Window.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover.
Carolyn
carolynj63@att.net
What's not to love about an Irish family story!!
ReplyDeleteI actually am still searching for A Hope Undaunted! I would like to read this Christmas story about the parents. I especially like Historical Fiction. I actually knew a "Patrick O'Connor" who lived with his mother and shot rats with a pistol ~ not for me!! But, alas, my middle daughter did marry an O'Connor, but from Michigan, not Oklahoma. Now I'm on to read the excerpt ~
half-Irish Kathleen in Missouri
I have never read any of Julie Lessman's books but would thoruoughly love to have this book. I am definitely going to read her books now. She sounds like a GREAT author. And since I read and review books, this one sounds GREAT.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Debbie Epperson
dkepperson1@gmail.com
An IRISH story? An Irish Christmas LOVE story?? Oh, who am I kidding, she had me at Irish :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Beth
bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com
I tweeted this, FBd it and G+d this post! So awesome seeing you two gals, two of my fave people, together in one place. And both of you on my 2012 Best Reads list! Thanks for the post and do not include me in giveaway, thanks! Hugs to both of you darling ladies!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book, too. No need to enter me, just wanted to say how much a fan I am, and this was he first Julie Lessman novel I've had the privilege to read!
ReplyDeleteYou two ladies write books with so much heart and soul and meaning, that I am blessed by you! Hope your Thanksgiving is absolutely perfect.
<3
Kathy
Thanks for the post MaryLu!! I currently have A Love Surrendered in my TBR stack, and I can't wait to read this one either!
ReplyDeletemarissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
I would love to read "A Light In The Window". It sounds like a book that will touch the readers heart and a great book for the Christmas season. Many people are having a tough year and it's wonderful to have books that lift our spirits. Thanks for the contest.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for dropping by!! Julie will be thrilled. I appreciate all your great comments. Honestly, you don't want to miss this book. It's just the kind of story that we all need to curl up with in the middle of all the chaos in the world.
ReplyDeletePlease tweet and share with your friends. :-) Let's spread the joy.
GREAT review, MaryLu!
ReplyDeleteI have it on Kindle and I can't wait to read it! But, well I was led here by Julie's fabulous blog that said that we could win any one of her books...in that case, I'd love to be included please!
Thanks :-)
oh and Julie will be here?!
ReplyDeleteJULIE!! saw today's Journal Jot...Tears!! Oh, I'm so happy, how perfect..
MEGA CONGRATULATIONS !!!
:-)
Oh my goodness!! Two of my favorite authors in one place?! What's a girl to do with herself?! :-D
ReplyDeleteI absolutely can't say enough about Julie. She is amazing! So so dedicated to staying in personal contact with her readers - it astounds me how she finds time to do that AND write the kind of "keep-my-on-the-edge-of-my-seat, be-still-my-heart, 'WOW - she-is-seriously-a-gifted-author!'" books she does!! Julie - you are the best! And I don't have a kindle, but I am DETERMINED to read this book, so - fingers crossed! :-D
For anyone who's not read anything by Julie Lessman yet - you are in for a TREAT!! She has a way of drawing you into her books, and you just feel like you are a part of this amazing and dynamic family! And the characters from each book continue as beloved characters in all the remaining books! By the end of the 2nd series - you will be so sad to say goodbye to the O'Connor family!! (Which is why this prequel is so wonderful!)
And Mary Lu - The Falcon and the Sparrow - mmm!! One of my favorite books!! So so good!! :-D And the Charles Towne Belles series - also one of my fav's! (Oh - who am I kidding, all your books are great!!!)
Thanks!
-Alli Moser
allimo81(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like a wonderful story. I read Julie's book, "A Hope Undaunted" and loved it - she does a great job pulling you into the character's lives!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore Christmas stories & if you add in the Irish - A MUST READ for me.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Just finished "A Love Surrendered" earlier this week and hated to see it end. Would love a chance to read how O'Connor family came into being. Thank you for this opporunity to win it.
ReplyDeleteaimmesser@yahoo.com
Would love to win a copy. Lots of times we have to make dicisons like your character in life. Would like to know how she made the decision. BTW have fun planning the wedding whenever it is.
ReplyDeleteI love Julie's books. I've read all of the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change books. I'm really wanting to read A Light in the Window, so it would be wonderful to win a copy. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletepmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Oh wow, what can I say....love Julie's books. Have read them all so far and am so anxious to read this one! She is a great person and great author!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
Jackie Smith
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net
Oh, no!! I forgot to leave my e-mail address to ask for my address to send my book to should I be fortunate and win!
ReplyDeleteKathleen ~ Missouri
Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
I would love to win Julie's book, "A light in the window". We have all her books in the Church Library.
ReplyDeleteThanks for entering me in the contest.
Janet Estridge
von1janet@gmail.com
I love Julie and her books and I'm really excited to see how it all began with Marcy and Patrick. Please enter me in the drawing. And by the way, Julie is cute...just like her twin. :)
ReplyDeletebookwarp(at)gmail(dot)com
MARYLU, YOU SWEETHEART, YOU!!! You sure know how to roll out the red carpet, sis, so THANK YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteBRENDA HURLEY!!! You are JUST the type of reader I am looking for, girl -- a woman who loves anything Irish and you haven't read my books yet!! I encourage you to check out the EXCERPTS tab of my website where I have listed my favorite romantic and spiritual scenes from each of my books, WHICH just happen to be about a very passionate Irish family!! Here's the link and here's to a win!!
JULIE'S EXCERPTS
Hugs,
Julie
LOL, HANNAH ... you like "complicated"??? Honey, you ain't seen nothing yet, girlfriend, till you dive into the six-book family saga for which A Light in the Window is the prequel. We're talking soap-opera complicated, my friend, so I highly recommend you check out my EXCERPTS link of my website where I have listed my favorite romantic and spiritual scenes from each of my books, just to see if you like my "passion with a purpose" style writing, okay? Good luck and here's the link:
ReplyDeleteJULIE'S EXCERPTS
Hugs,
Julie
CALLIE!!! Part Irish??? Love you already, darlin', and hopin' you win, so GOOD LUCK!!
ReplyDeletePATTY, YAY!!! Soooo glad you enjoyed ALS and if you want to enter my review contest, all it takes is one short 2- or 3-line review, saying you liked the book, and VOILA ... you're in the random draw for a signed copy of my next novel, Love at Any Cost, so ehre's the link, and I hope you go for it!!
JULIE’S CONTEST
Hugs,
Julie
WHOO-HOO, CAROLYN ... all these new readers who haven't heard of me before -- I feel like I hit paydirt!! I'm gonna tell you what I told both Brenda and Hannah above -- I encourage you to check out the EXCERPTS tab of my website where I have listed my favorite romantic and spiritual scenes from each of my books, WHICH just happen to be about a very passionate Irish family!! Here's the link and here's to a win!!
ReplyDeleteJULIE'S EXCERPTS
Hugs,
Julie
LOL, KATHLEEN ... say it ain't so!!! A Patrick O'Connor who lives with his mother and shoots rats??? YIKES ... I'm happy to say my Patrick is NOTHING like that, trust me. ESPECIALLY in A Light in the Window -- hubba, hubba!! I'm pullin' for you darlin', for a copy of AHU because I really, really want you to read it, my friend, so GOOD LUCK!!
ReplyDeleteDEBBIE ... be still my heart!! Another new-to-me reader?? MaryLu I SOOO owe you, you sweet thing!! Okay, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I am going to tell you what I have told a number of gal up above who haven't read me before. PLEASE consider checking out my "passion with a purpose" style of writing by hopping on over to my EXCERPTS tab of my website where I have listed my favorite romantic and spiritual scenes from each of my books. Here's the link and here's to a win!!
JULIE'S EXCERPTS
Hugs,
Julie
LOL, BETH ... man, you were an easy sell, my friend ... I like you already!! And if love Irish, then you definitely need to check out the EXCERPTS tab of my website where I have listed my favorite romantic and spiritual scenes from each of my books -- WHICH, are all about a VERY Irish and VERY passionate family. That will give you a great idea what to expect, okay? Here's the link and GOOD LUCK in the contest
ReplyDeleteJULIE'S EXCERPTS
Hugs,
Julie
CARRIE, BLESS YOU, YOU SWEET THING!!! Master Tweeter and FB-er EXTRAORDINAIRE!! Thank you again for including me on your 2012 Best Reads list, with MaryLu no less, one of my all-time FAVES!!!
ReplyDeleteKATHLEEN ... what, you two came over together to say, "hey" to "sis" and me, huh? Thank you for your kind words, my friend -- MUCH appreciated!!
Hugs,
Julie
MARISSA ... that's what I like to hear, girl, that I am in that coveted TBR file, preferably at the top! ;) Happy reading and GOOD LUCK!!
ReplyDeleteHey, BRENDA, I truly do believe that ALITW falls in that category because it's written during a time period that was considered the worst depression our country has ever been in prior to the Great Depression. Consequently, it revolves around a fundraiser play (amazingly enough entitled A Light in the Window) for a parish soup kitchen. So GOOD LUCK and here's to each of us shining our own lights in this holiday season.
GANISE!!! Oh, I bet I know which book you're shooting for, you sweet thing, and yes, if you win, you can be put on the list for Love at Any Cost, so here's to a win!!
Hugs,
Julie
ALLI!!! Gosh, girl, it's just so much fun seeing your name pop up lately, so THANK YOU for not only taking the time to come by, but for your incredibly kind words. Where do I send the check, darlin'??
ReplyDeleteAnd I SOOO agree with you on MaryLu's books -- MUST READS in my house, God's truth!!
Thanks for your amazing support, Alli, and GOOD LUCK!!
Hugs,
Julie
Hey, KIM, I am SO glad you enjoyed AHU -- it's actually my favorite of all the books I've written. But we definitely have to get another O'Connor book in your hands, so here's to a win!!
ReplyDeleteMARY ... I am jumping for joy here at all the Irish lovers in the bunch. I would definitely say my books might appeal then, because they are 100% IRISH blood flowing through the veins of these very passionate characters, true to life to most of the Irish I've met ... including myself1 ;) So good luck and God bless!!
Hugs,
Julie
AMY!!! Oh, girl, THANK YOU for reading ALS and I encourage you to enter my review contest because all it takes is one short 2- or 3-line review, saying you liked the book, and VOILA ... you're in the random draw for a signed copy of my next novel, Love at Any Cost, so here's the link, and I hope you go for it!!
ReplyDeleteJULIE’S CONTEST
Hugs,
Julie
Hey, NANCE, thank you SO much for obviously reading my Journal Jots today where I talk about how God dealt with my state of overwhelm with a ball of twine, my daughter's marriage proposal and a donkey named Julio. Here's to a win, my friend!
ReplyDeletePAMMY!!! You're bound to win a copy one of these days, my friend, so thanks for your persistence and GOOD LUCK!!
Hugs,
Julie
Hey, JACKIE, thank you, you sweet thing!! And I get a kick how you and Pam or Pam and Karen or you and Karen always seem to have comments right next to each other. You guys must keep the same Internet schedule, I guess!! Thanks for your kind words, my friend, and here's to a win!
ReplyDeleteKATHLEEN ... GOOD GIRL for coming back to leave that very important info. I hope it nets you a win, darlin'!
Hugs,
Julie
Oh, JANET, you have NO idea how happy that makes me, girl ... in your church library, really??? If you knew how many church librarians have taken me to task for the passionate nature of my books, you might take them out!! But I'm glad your church librarian is okay with them ... she must be Irish, eh?? GOOD LUCK!!
ReplyDeleteLOL, ANG ... you can compare me to ML any day of the week, darlin', cause I happen to think she is one good-looking lady!! Thanks for coming by, my friend, and GOOD LUCK!!
HUGS,
Julie
I have just received my first book by Julie, "A Love Surrendered" so haven't read it yet. I've heard her books are good tho. I like that this is Irish, and a battle of the heart over two guys. I think her mima gave her good advice, for GOD tells us not to be unequally yoked. I also love the cover, and I'm hoping will be able to win this book. Maxie ( mac262@me.com )
ReplyDeletei just popped over here from Julie's blog...and if you haven't read it, you should. Just follow the string...after that visual, i'll remember to follow ...God
ReplyDeletei would love to win this novel. Thanks for the chance
mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom
reviewingnovelsonline.blogspot.ca
Patrick and Marcy's story has been one of my favorite parts of Julie's novels and I'm so excited about their prequel! Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com
MAXIE, YAY!!! But, oh, girl ... if you win this contest, I would love to send you book 1, A Passion Most Pure, first because this a family saga best read in order due to a number of big surprises in APMP. Not that you can't read A Love Surrendered on its own -- or any of the books in this six-book saga -- but it's just a little more fun when you read them in order, you know? So GOOD LUCK, girl!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julie
MARIANNE!!! Thanks SO much for "following the string" to my blog -- SO appreciated, my friend and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!
ReplyDeleteHey, LIZ ... SO appreciate your kind words!! I have to admit -- as a baby boomer who gets frustrated when the "kids" get all the fun in romance novels, Marcy and Patrick's love affair is one of my favorite parts too!! Here's to a win, my friend. :)
Hugs,
Julie
I loved the peek at A Light in the Window. Julie is a terrific writer and such a sweet lady, her comments are always so encouraging!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Ok, ok...somehow I haven't read any of Ms. Lessman's books yet and I am SO excited to pick one up now! Goodness, there are so many tantalizing comments I can't help but feel I've already found another amazing author's world to dive into!
ReplyDelete"One Woman. Two Men.
One stirs her pulse and the other her faith.
But who will win her heart?" -- Hello, Conflict! I love it! And Irish, and a play, and my oh my.
Thanks, MaryLu for introducing Julie to us all who have yet to read her books. (I can't help but thank you also for turning me on to Ronie Kendig's books! Just finished another in the Discarded Hero series and it spoke right to me in this season that I'm in. What a blessing!)
Please do enter me in the contest.
joleeng at TRClife.com
Hugs!
Good morning MaryLu, I too like Julie a lot as an author and see her on a lot of blogs and sites..I love her wit -so amusing.
ReplyDeleteI am anxious to read this story of a woman with two men vying for her attention, now which one will win, and would like to be in your drawing, thanks for sharing.
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Aw, MERRY, thank you SO much for your kind words -- talk about "encouraging," you sweet thing!! GOOD LUCK IN THE CONTEST!!
ReplyDeleteJOLEEN (LIFEDANCE) ... first of all, LOVE your addy -- "LifeDance" -- how appropriate is that for the Christian walk??? Secondly, I am SO excited, too, that YOU want to read my books in the first place, sweetie, so THANK YOU!! I always encourage new readers to either start with my Christmas e-book that MaryLu is featuring here OR book 1 in the Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Most Pure as this is a passionate Irish family saga best read in order due to a number of HUGE surprises in book 1, APMP, okay? If you would like to read my favorite romantic and spiritual scene from either APMP or ALITW, then I encourage you to check out the EXCERPTS tab of my website at the following link:
JULIE'S EXCERPTS
So, thanks again for your interest, girl, and here's to a win!!
Hugs,
Julie
PAULA ... and I SO appreciate your comments on the various blogs I'm on, girlfriend, so THANK YOU for your support!! Hopefully MaryLu's blog this week will be the win you've been hoping for. :) GOOD LUCK!!
ReplyDeleteHUGS,
Julie
This sounds like a great story! I've heard great things! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHey, VERONICA, thank you, sweetie, and thank you, too, for stopping by my Facebook daily posts for A Light in the Window!! Every day you leave a comment on the daily post earns you another entry in the random drawing for five copies of ALITW, e-book or signed ms., so you GOOD LUCK!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julie
Good morning, Ms. MaryLu and Ms. Lessman! What a fantastical giveaway that is happening here on this lovely blog! I must confess that Ms. MaryLu has eloquently given nearly every reason why I was drawn into Lessman's story of the O'Connor family! The very heart of the reason I love them as much as I do is because they are quintessentially a family who lives and loves large, thrives on life experiences, takes daring risks, geniunely cares about each other, and takes the little ordinary moments of life to be the ones to cherish in the long term. They transport themselves right up and off the written page, nestle into your heart, and dance through your mind's eye. Its more than just visiting newly acquainted friends,... its like regaining back the family you loved yourself growing up and miss now that they have crossed into the next life. I love heart and soul stories -- with realistic characters who make the most out of their lives with a bent of wisdom endearing them as they grow. Having characters who walk in their faith, and guide readers by their actions is even better! Thank you for this opportunity to be able to learn of how Marcy and Patrick came to be the dynamic couple at the head of the family I love so much! Blessings to you this Thanksgiving week! And, may we all attract those into our lives whose hearts are mindful of charity, and choose to remain within the Light all of their days. Hold your candles high and celebrate Ms. Lessman's beautiful creative work!
ReplyDeleteinkand-blogaways(at)usa(dot)net
I absolutely LOVED her "Daughters of Boston" series. Her writing style is easy but engaging. I'd just love to win this to add another one of her books to my "shelf" :)
ReplyDeleteMARJORIE!!! You made it, girlfriend ... SOOO glad!! And thank you for your kind words about the O'Connors. I know we must all sound kinda crazy loving them like we do -- this big, passionate family -- when they are only a figment of my imagination, but even so, to me they're very real. They are a part of me, my heart and soul, both in the mistakes I've made in life (in my marriage and relationships) and the lessons God taught me through those mistakes. The O'Connors are, in essence, how I see "family" AND are, thank God, the type of family I have today because of what God has done in my life. So in that sense, they are very real!! Good luck in the contest, my friend, and I sure hope I get to send you a signed ms. of ALITW!!
ReplyDeleteSUSAN!!! Thank you SO much for reading the DOB series, and I gotta tell you that book 1 in the next series, A Hope Undaunted, is my FAVORITE book of all my books, so I hope you get the chance to read it. :) Here's to a win!!
Hugs,
Julie
I finished "A Love Surrendered" and what an ending! Ms. Julie did not dissapoint! It was sad to see the series end (for now), but I am glad that I can revisit my favorite Irish family in Boston with a simple turn of a page. :) Thanks for the chance to win the prequel!
ReplyDeleteJafuchi7(at)Hawaii(dot)edu