Friday, November 7, 2014

Julie Lessman: Romance, Pure And Simple

Everyone's Story welcomes first time guest and well known, beloved author Julie Lessman. While everyone and her sister may know of Julie, there are quite a few interesting insights about this author that you  will relate to, chuckle over, and nod your head in agreement with. I know I did! Please check out Julie's amazing BookGiveaway offer. This will be a very fun week here. Both Julie and I are looking forward to hearing from you.





BookGiveaway:
Julie is offering 1 copy of any of her 12 books in either print or e-format within the US and e-format outside of the US. The winner will be announced here on Friday, November 14th between 5-6 PM EST. To be entered in the Giveaway, please leave your contact information within your comment. ***For an extra point in the contest, indicate that you have LIKED (or have LIKED in the past) both  Julie’s Facebook Page and Elaine Stock's Facebook Page in your comment. Anyone who has already posted a comment prior to this added bonus can submit another comment. Thanks and GOOD LUCK!




When Certain Addictions Are Good by Julie Lessman
My name is Julie Lessman … and I am a romance addict.
However, Margaret Mitchell bears the blame. The moment Scarlett seared Rhett with a look on the winding staircase of Twelve Oaks, I was a goner, my brain irrevocably branded with the burning desire for romance. God help me, I was only twelve when some innocent, unsuspecting person put a copy of Gone With the Wind in my hand. I swear to this day that the binding not only burned my fingers, but it seared my life forever.
You see, when I read that novel at the age of twelve, I was swept away into the world of romance for the very first time. It captured me like no other book had done, and 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, but I did write 150 single-spaced pages of a story that became the basis (some forty years later!) for my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure. Today, I like to think that not only are Margaret Mitchell’s fingerprints all over me in my religious devotion to passion, but God’s as well—merging my passion for romance with my passion for Him.
And speaking of religious devotion, I may well be one of the few GWTW fans whose obsession became a habit—a religious habit, to be exact, of the “nun” variety. Although I had read the book at the age of twelve (and reread it a gazillion times since then), I never saw the movie until I turned sixteen. Way back then (we won’t go into how far back that was), Gone With the Wind was re-released every seven years. So when I found out that a theatre in my city was sponsoring a free premiere for the local religious and clergy, I actually dressed up as a nun to go. One of my friends had a sister in the convent who loaned us novice habits and off we went! I sat there mesmerized, shoving free popcorn into my mouth as I watched the emotional tug-o-war between Rhett and Scarlett. It was one of the most thrilling times of my teens … until we ran into the nuns from our high school! I must have looked pretty convincing in the novice garb, though, because one of our nuns started talking to me about a vocation. Are you kidding? A nun who writes romance? Uh, no!
Why would a book like Gone With the Wind impact me so? Romance, pure and simple. Yes, Scarlett was selfish, but what drew me was the pull she had over Rhett—a man who wanted her but couldn’t have her. To me, seeing a strong, male type like Rhett Butler “who wasn’t the marrying kind” give in and marry her because he loved her and wanted to cherish her, spoke volumes. I sensed that was what romance was all about—finding a man who couldn’t do without you and to whom you were the most important woman in the world.

It wasn’t until I became a born-again Christian at the age of 23 that I learned it was a foreshadow of how God sees romance in Ephesians 5:25: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” Now I am not saying that Rhett Butler typified the kind of love Christ had in mind, but he wanted Scarlett so badly, he was willing to give of himself to get her. No other woman alive could do that to him, only her.
Now to me, that’s romance in the most heart-pounding sense of the word, albeit a thin shadow of the kind of romance God longs to have with each us. His is a true passion, not just for us collectively as the Body of Christ, but individually as well, allowing each of us a piece of His heart that nobody can else can fill—only us. We are, quite simply, the apple of His eye, and with this kind of “unfailing” and “everlasting” love, is it any wonder that I’m hooked on romance?
Especially the God Who created it!

Julie's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
Like reading #romances? Chat with “romance addict” author @JulieLessman. #BookGiveaway (Tweet This)

Everyone has a story: Why is @JulieLessman obsessed with romance stories? (Tweet This)

Why is Rhett Butler still seizing @JulieLessman’s breath? #BookGiveaway (Tweet This)

Author's Bio and Places to Connect:

Award-winning author of “The Daughters of Boston” and “Winds of Change” series, Julie Lessman was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards. She has also garnered 17 RWA and other awards and made Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction. Her indie book A Light in the Window is an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner.

Julie loves to hear from reader friends, so if they like, they can contact her and read excerpts from her books at www.julielessman.com, or through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, or Pinterest or by signing up for her newsletter. Julie also has a blog “Journal Jots,” which is a very laid-back journal to her reader friends, or readers can check out Julie’s favorite romantic and spiritual scenes from each of her books on the “Excerpts” tab of her website. In addition, Julie can be found daily at The Seekers, a group blog of 13 published authors that inspires, encourages, teaches, and informs aspiring writers on the road to publication and beyond. Although Seekerville has been listed on Writers Digest 2013 and 2014 “Best 101 Websites for Writers,” it is also a blog devoted to readers as well.

Finally, Julie has the following freebie/sales/low-cost novellas currently going on:

FREE DOWNLOAD on her debut novel A Passion Most Pure, American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the Year with over 570 five-star reviews.

$3.99 SALE (or FREE on Kindle Unlimited) on Julie’s Irish Christmas love story, A Light in the Window—winner of three awards, and here’s the video to give you a peek—ALITW Video.

 Only $2.99 each for two brand new Christmas novella collections from the Seekers called Hope for the Holidays.  The historical collection features novellas from Julie Lessman, Mary Connealy, Myra Johnson, and Ruth Logan Herne, while the contemporary collection features novellas from Marcy Connealy, Mary Connealy, Audra Harders, Sandra Leesmith, Ruth Logan Herne, Tina Radcliffe, and Missy Tippens.




158 comments:

  1. Thank you for hosting Julie, Elaine!!

    She is one of my very favorite authors and has a writing style all her own, which I love so much!! I have both the eBook and paperback of each book she has written and cherish memories of the characters in each - the O'Connor and McClare family members are so "alive" in my heart and feel like friends that I never tire of visiting. I'm so looking forward to Julie's coming contemporary series, "Isle of Hope" and know I will come to love those characters just as I do those of her other books - her writing never disappoints, rather - each book fills a special place in my mind and soul.

    I am a person who loves passion, angst, "twists-and-turns", realistic characters, inspiration, beautiful story lines, romance, family settings, lessons learned and happy endings - in the books I read, Julie's books always include each of these elements. Her passion for God and His direction in her life - is even more real than that in her books - one of the things I most love about her!! Such an important element in the life of a Christian fiction author and important to me in my selection of the authors whose books I read. She is an author who is such a huge inspiration in my life, I cherish her friendship and love Julie and her books!!

    Shared post!!

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    1. Bonnie, welcome to Everyone's Story. I really value what you've just shared, not only about Julie (wow--I didn't know about her upcoming contemporary series--I'll have to check this one out!) but about what you, a reader, appreciate and look for in a Christian novel. Thanks so much for your insight.

      I hope to see you here again. Thanks for connecting with me on FB!

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    2. BONNIE!!! I'll tell you what, my friend, just when I think you can't possibly bless me more than you do, you DO!! You encourage me more than anybody I know, and I treasure you!!

      Thanks for your incredible support and precious friendship.

      Hugs and more hugs,
      Julie

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  2. I also am a Gone With the Wind fan and have always wondered what Margaret Mitchell would have done with Scarlett in another book if she had been here to write one. Thanks for all your romance tips.

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Barbara. If you have a chance and are interested in Julie's BookGiveaway, please leave another comment with your contact info.

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    2. Hey, BARBARA ...YES, I soooo relate!! Which is why I went CRAZY when the sequel, Scarlett, came out a number of years ago. I couldn't even touch Margaret Mitchell's GWTW, it was so many levels down, but it was better than nothing if you are a GWTW freak like me, and you too, apparently. I truly wish Margaret had written the sequel too.

      Hugs AND good luck in the contest!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  3. You've spoken to my heart when addressing GWTW! I read it my SR year of high school (go class of 78!) and saw the movie not long after. In celebration of it's recent anniversary, I happened to be in the country (we're missionaries) and got to see it again! 36 years later, I saw things through different eyes. Maybe it was maturity? A different life view? Scarlet was dtill selfish and self absorbed. Rhett was still a man of the world who would give his right arm for those he loved. Ashley was more of a wus than I remembered and led Scarlets heart on. Mellanie was still a woman of devotion and only so the good in folks. And Prissy? She still can birth mo babies! But darn, I was hoping Rhett had changed his mind and stayed with Scarlet. missionwife@hotmail.com

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Melodie (and I apologize about how your comment appears--a little technical difficulty). I read GWTW while in junior high and saw the movie when in high school, but you made me realize that I really need to see the movie again!

      Hope to see you again.

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    2. LOL, MELONIE ... TOO cute!! I was hoping Rhett had changed, too, and actually, I think he did -- it's just Margaret didn't get around to writing it. Have you read/seen the sequel, Scarlett, written by Alexandria Ripley? Not even CLOSE to GWTW, but better than nothing for a GWTW freak like me. And Scarlett DOES get her man in that one, although Rhett puts her through the mill first, which is only fair. :)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!
      Julie

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    3. Thanks so much for subscribing to Everyone's Story. A true blessing.

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    4. For some reason it has me as Melonie BUT I'm Melody!

      And ... I liked Elaines fb page.
      Plus...I liked Julies page eons ago!

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    5. Melody, I'm so happy you've checked back. I apologize for the little snafu with your comment, but I'm uncertain why it had trouble publishing onto the blog in its original, however I was able to copy and paste your comment, and did note your email address in case of a win. Now I'm glad I have your correct name, plus a photo of you smiling… looking forward to hopefully winning.

      Thanks heaps for the FB Like. Blessings.

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  4. I loved GWTW! I think I saw it in 1956 or 57 and then got the book and read it. In my heart, I always believed Scarlet went after Rhett and they lived happily ever after. :-) Julie's books are at the top of my TBR table!

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Pat. Thanks for your support and dedication through the years.

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    2. PAT!!! SO great to "see" you, girl, and I TOTALLY agree about Scarlett and Rhett. In fact, have you ever read/seen the sequel, Scarlett, written by Alexandria Ripley? The Margaret Mitchell foundation chose her to write the sequel and although it can't even TOUCH GWTW, it's better than nothing for a GWTW freak like me. And Scarlett DOES go after Rhett throughout most of the movie and gets her guy in the end, but NOT before Rhett puts her through the mill BIG TIME!! As well he should! ;)

      And YOUR latest is on MY TBR table as well, my friend! :)

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  5. I'm a Julie fan and I'm still in need of some of her books. Thanks for the chance to win. Always love catching up on Julie. ;P

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    1. Thanks for visiting last evening. Yeah… what is it with our fave authors who can't keep up with out reading hunger

      Hope to see you again.

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    2. ABS!! Always good to see you, darlin', and we'll see what we can do about getting a signed book to you in this contest! ;)

      And trust me, Elaine ... I can't keep up with blogs, much less books, but I sure try ... ;)

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  6. Oh, Julie always has a relevant message that touches my heart. Her stories are definitely required reading!

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    1. Debbie, I see you're a Julie fan. I'm sure you've made her smile widely.

      I appreciate your visit.

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    2. Aw, thanks DEB -- I appreciate your kind comment AND your support. Here's hoping we can pull out a win for you!!

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

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  7. That was so interesting to read :) Thanks for hosting Julie :) I haven't read the full GWTW but it was quite captivating what I read of it.

    I love all of Julie's books and I always beg my parents to add to my growing collection of them on special occasions haha.

    Julie's books hook you and reel you in (in a good way). I am hoping that when I get my friends to read them, they will understand God's true love for us through the journeys that the characters go on. I think that it is important to have novels like this in the world because everyone relates to God in different ways :) I know that romance is one of the ways that I relate to him since his love for us is enduring :)

    My email: starlight059@gmail.com

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    1. Ah, I see you're a younger reader who has her heart on God. I'm so happy for you, and glad that Julie's novels resonate with you.

      That's one of the perks I personally receive from my blog: seeing and sharing how God reaches us all with His love, especially through the miracle of storytelling.

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    2. STARLIGHT!!! Thanks for coming by, my friend, AND for reading my books! As a reader of my books, you already KNOW that "romance is one of the ways that I relate to him" too, and I SOOOO love romantics like you, girl, so here's to a win!

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

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  8. I've read a few of her books and loved them! The books inspire my own writing. Great interview! :) nitpicking101 at gmail dot com

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    1. So glad for your visit; so glad to see you're inspired.

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    2. NITPICKING 101 ... LOVE that name, girlfriend!! I'm guessing that includes being nitpicky about books too? If so, THANK YOU for reading some of mine and we'll see if we can't send another your way with a win!

      Hugs and good luck!!
      Julie

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  9. Oh, Julie, you brought back so many memories! I also loved GWTW and can't tell you how many times I have watched the movie. I love the way you describe God's passion for us! I'd love to win one of your books. A Passion Most Pure still sticks in my memory as one of the best romance stories I have ever read.

    patti(dot)shene(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Patti, as always, I smile when I see that you've visited.

      I'm so thankful that our favorite authors' novels can keep us company during otherwise lonely or dreary times. Everyone needs a great book to enjoy!

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    2. PATTI!!! A fellow GWTW freak -- I already know I like you, girl, and were you a Rhett Butler fan like me? I also am one of the few people I know who actually LOVED Scarlett -- I think because of her passion for Tara. I pretty much love passion in any form, ESPECIALLY when it involves God and romance, which is why I write the books that I do.

      Thanks for coming by, girl, and here's to a win!!

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!
      Julie

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  10. What a funny story about seeing the movie dressed as nuns! I too am a romance addict, and I so appreciate the clean and Christian romance novels that are written by such talented authors :)

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. Heidi, nice to see you again. You've made me smile on this cold November morning with your return visit. Wishing you a great day!

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    2. Hey, HEIDI ... good to see you here, my friend, and I'm with you -- THANK GOD for Christian romance, which offers us His beautiful gift of romantic passion with a passion for HIM!!

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

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  11. I read apothecary's daughter and loved it! I would love yo win more of your books! You can contact me via assistingdocs@yahoo.com! Thanks! And keep writing!

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    1. Thanks for visiting with us, Lisa. Happy reading!

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    2. LOL, LISA ... I loved The Apothecary's Daughter, too, so I will be sure to pass your compliment on to my dear friend, Julie Klassen. But don't worry, sweetie, people are ALWAYS getting the two of us mixed up, so much so, that I actually wrote a blog about a cute true story that came out of it on my Seeker blog here: http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2008/11/oh-for-love-of-god-part-2.html. :)

      So here's to a win ... but I'm afraid it will have to be for one of MY books rather than Julie's ... okay? ;)

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  12. Kate, I love your excitement. It's catchy! You're in the drawing.

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  13. Hey, KATE, good news!! I indie published A Light in the Window last year, so YES, it is available in paperback, and here's the link:
    http://amzn.to/1GBnVew

    BUT ... if you win here, I will be happy to send a copy to you, so GOOD LUCK!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  14. Julie, As you know I am a big fan of your books. I started Dare to Love again this week and love it so much already. I can't wait for the Seekerville collections to come out so I can begin reading them. I hope you will have a great weekend!

    I liked your page Elaine and have previously like Julie's page

    wwchildren at gmail dot com

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    1. Wilani, a warm hello to Everyone's Story. And thanks so much for the FB Like.

      An author knows for sure she has zinged a reader's heart when she hears the reader is rereading a favorite novel. Wow!

      Hope to see you again.

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    2. LANI!! I am SO glad you are enjoying DTLA, my friend, and you are realllly going to enjoy the novellas, so I'm excited to see what you think. The gals I share the novella anthology with -- Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, and Myra Johnson -- are all award-winning authors, so it's a great read. :)

      Thanks for coming by, my friend, and GOOD LUCK in the contest!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  15. I love Julie's books!!I also liked her Facebook page! Shelia Hall sheliarha64@yahoo.com

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    1. So glad you visited, Shelia. You're in the drawing!

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    2. Hey, SHELIA, THANK YOU, my friend, and fingers crossed for a win!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  16. I also liked Elaine's page !Shelia Hall sheliarha64@yahoo.com

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    1. Aww, thanks so much, Shelia. You just made my afternoon special.

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  17. I love Julie's books! The O'Connor family feel like old friends. I'm enjoying the McClare family as well.
    I "liked" both Facebook pages (Julie's has been for quite awhile).
    Thanks for the chance to win one of Julie's terrific books!
    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Thanks, Pam, for sharing about your "family and friends" :) I love to see that in readers--definitely a sign that an author has the reader in her grip.

      Thanks too for the FB Like!!

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    2. Hey, PAM, always good to see you, my friend, and would love to send you a signed book, so GOOD LUCK, sweetie!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  18. I have liked Julie and Elaines' fb page. I would like 'em twice if I could, lol.
    You know I have started GWTW and never finished it. With all the fabulous comments it really makes me want to go back and finish it. Julie I love your books and would love, love, love to read more of them. Hello to Elaine , what a great and fun blog you have. Great to meet you.
    Cnnamongirl (at) aol (dot) com

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    1. Deanne, it's a pleasure to meet you as well. Thanks so much for visiting, Liking my FB page, and of course, I'm thrilled you enjoyed your visit to Everyone's Story.

      Hope to see you again.

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    2. LOL, DEANNE ... and we would let you (like our pages twice) if we could, so THANK YOU, you sweet thing! :) Thanks SO much for your support, my friend -- MUCH appreciated!

      You know, Deanne, I encourage you to give GWTW another chance because not every book is awarded the Pulitzer Peace Prize for fiction, you know? Besides, Rhett is worth it! ;)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

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  19. There is something about Gone With the Wind . . . On a drive out for a backpacking trip with my uncle, we caught the latter 2/3 of GWTW on the TV in the motel room, and even my confirmed-old-bachelor of an uncle who by now is so eccentric that it's questionable a romantic bone even exists in his body was enthralled by the film. Thus we stayed up way too late to finish it, even knowing we had be on the road bright and early the next day. I can see why it is inspiring. rachaeldalquist(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Racheal, you've nailed the telltale sign of a great story, whether it's in movie or book or play format: it is so compelling that no matter how tired or pressed one is, you just can't walk away from it!

      Thanks for visiting.

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    2. GREAT STORY, RACHAEL!!! And, yes, there IS something about GWTW that pulls the reader/movie-watcher in, which testifies to its staying power despite being written/produced in the 30s. Not many movies can say that! :)

      And HOW FUN to go on a backpacking trip with your "confirmed-old-bachelor of an uncle" -- I'll bet you have some tales to tell!

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK in the draw, Rachael!
      Julie

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  20. Thanks, Elaine, for featuring Julie........such a dear, sweet, inspiring gal...love her and her books! I can't wait to read her newest....thanks for the chance!
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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    1. Jackie, you're great for visiting tonight. Hope you'll be back.

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    2. JACKIE!! Seeing favorite reader friends like you is always a highlight of any blog interview/article I do, so thanks for coming by! Fingers crossed that it nets you a win, sweetie!

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

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  21. Thanks for the interview! Was it hard to say goodbye for now to the McClaires in finishing the Heart of San Fransisco trilogy or was it easier since you had already went through it with the O'Connors in your first two trilogies? Love *Ms.* Julie's books -- thanks for the chance to win!

    + liked Elaine Stock and Julie Lessman's author pages as Zekkaina Solo.

    Jafuchi7(at)hawaii(dot)edu

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    1. Love your enthusiasm for story! Thanks for the visit and the Like.

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    2. Hey, JENN, it definitely wasn't as hard as saying goodbye to the O'Connors (which is EXACTLY why I turned right around and wrote A Light in the Window -- to bring the story full circle to help me say goodbye and bring closure!!), but it was difficult, mostly because of Logan and Cait. I love that couple almost as much as Marcy and Patrick, I guess because I'm a baby boomer who relates more to the older couples. But I plan to write a novella about Blake in the spring, so I'll get to revisit the McClares, thank God! :)

      Thanks for coming by, my friend, and GOOD LUCK!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    3. @Elaine - NP, I enjoy finding new blogs. :)
      @*Ms.* Julie - Glad to hear Blake will be getting his own story soon! :)

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    4. After what felt like a never-ending day at the "day job," gotta tell you, you just brightened my day. Thanks!!

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  22. Awe, what a sweet interview! I'd love to win a copy of your book, Julie! :) My contact info is alexis@alexisagoring.com

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    1. Alexis, great to see you again! You're in the drawing...stay tuned, as they say...

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    2. Thanks, ALEXIS, and trust me -- I'd love for you to win a copy of my book, too, so good luck!!

      You sound like maybe you haven't read one of my books before, and if that's true, I strongly encourage you to download FOR FREE my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure, which won American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the year and currently has 583 five-star reviews on Amazon, so it's not a dog, I promise. And did I mention it’s FREE??? :)

      Thanks for coming by and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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  23. I just recently discovered Julies books. I fell in love with the O'Connors and McClares. I can hardly wait until Monday when the Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection releases. Fingers crossed for a win! I liked both Julie Lessman's and Elaine Stock's FB page. :)

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    1. Debbie, so happy you visited this evening. Though many are vying for Julie's Giveaway, keep your fingers crossed tightly!

      Hope you will visit again.

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    2. Julie LessmanNovember 09, 2014

      DEB!!! You have been busy, girlfriend, with reviews and comments, so THANK YOU, you sweet thing!!

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  24. Thank you so much, Julie, for sharing this post with us! And thank you for the chance to win one of your books!! :) I saw GWTW when I was a teenager and I remember that, although I liked it, I was very disappointed with the ending. I so wanted Scarlett and Rhett to be together! Maybe I should watch it again to appreciate it more... :)

    newyorkgirl82(at)gmail(dot)com I'm international

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    1. Hi, Maria! Wow--thanks for visiting from overseas!

      Best wishes in the Giveaway.

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    2. LOL, MARIA ... move over, girlfriend!! I was in SHOCK when I first read the ending, thinking to myself, Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!! But then, being the romantically optimistic author I am, I always believed they would get back together, which they did, of course, in the sequel approved by the Margaret Mitchell Foundation, Scarlett, by Alexandra Ripley. Not even 1/10th as good as GWTW, but that doesn't matter to a diehard GWTW freak like myself -- I LOVED it!!

      And, Maria, you sound like maybe you haven't read one of my books before, and if that's true, I strongly encourage you to download FOR FREE my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure, which won American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the year and currently has 583 five-star reviews on Amazon, so it's not a dog, I promise. And did I mention it’s FREE??? :) Here's the link:

      http://amzn.to/1qxWNTk

      Thanks for coming by and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    3. Thank you, Elaine! :)

      Julie, I had no idea there was a sequel!! Good thing that Scarlett and Rhett had their happy ending! :)

      I had already downloaded your free book, thanks. And I will read it as soon as I finish my current reads. Actually, I'm so eager to get to it that I might start it before I finish the others! :D

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    4. YAY!!!! Bless you, MARIA ... MUCH appreciated, my friend. :) And if you like it and post a review, be sure to let me know so I can enter you in my newsletter contest to have a character named after you in my next book and a signed copy, okay? And if you don't like it??? Uh ... well ... never mind ... ;)

      Hugs,
      Julie

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    5. Hahaha!! Thanks, Julie! I will let you know :)

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    6. Good girl, MARIA! :)

      HAPPY READING!!

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  25. I'm going to keep trying to win at least one book from all these giveaways...Julie's books are just that good :)
    pinkbonnie93(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Dana, you sound like a friend of the heart. I too go after certain Giveaways of a fave author. LOL--sometimes I wonder if some think I'm stalking them, which of course, I'm not.

      Happy reading!

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    2. Aw, thanks, DANA -- you are TOO sweet!!

      Trust me, girl, if you are persistent enough, you WILL win a book. I actually have at least six reader friends who have EACH won four books from me over the years because they leave a comment on every blog giveaway I do, which is what the blogger WANTS you to do anyway, right?

      So ... although I've cut WAY back on my blog-interview giveaways, I do still have a number of them coming up on my website calendar at http://www.julielessman.com/julies-calendar/, so I hope you'll check them out. :)

      Good luck and here's to a win!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  26. Love Julie's books. Now I have the new collections on pre-order :) The thing I remember most about GWTW is that my mother sat through the premiere in Winnipeg Manitoba in 1940 the day before my brother was born. How she could sit there for 4 hours while 9 months pregnant is beyond me.

    wyndyc at gmail dot com
    http://wynswonderland.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wyn, thanks for the visit and the smile-your mom is proof of how great GWTW is!

      Thanks so much for the Google Follow.

      Hope to see you again.

      Delete
    2. YAY, WYNDY!!! Thanks SO much for preordering the Christmas collections -- you ROCK, girlfriend!!

      And, LOL ... what a GREAT story about your mom, my friend -- she sounds like a woman after my own heart, and her daughter sounds the same! Fingers crossed for a win!!

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

      Delete
    3. Oops forgot to say that I 'Liked" both facebook pages.

      Delete
    4. I so appreciate the Like, Wyndy!

      Delete
  27. GWTW was probably the first romance movie I ever watched. I read the book after. Loved it!
    Liked both pages - scheduled some tweets.
    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome, Pegg. Hmm. I'm wondering whether I've "met" you cyber wise before… your photo with that beautiful horse looks familiar.

      Thanks so much for the Like.

      Delete
    2. BLESS YOU, PEGG, for the the LIKES and tweets -- you are a DOLL!!

      AND ... a woman with taste like mine, so I'm hoping you'll also like my books. If you haven't downloaded FOR FREE my debut novel yet, A Passion Most Pure, I highly encourage you to do so. It won American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the year and currently has 583 five-star reviews on Amazon, so it's not a dog, I promise. :) Here's the link:

      http://amzn.to/1qxWNTk

      And if you DON’T have an ereader, you can always download a free Kindle app that will allow you to read APMP on your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Droid, so let me know if you want the link, okay?

      Thanks for coming by and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  28. Here's a fascinating tidbit on GWTW: Margaret Mitchell gets 38 rejections from publishers before finding one to publish her novel Gone With The Wind. It sells 30 million copies. As seen on http://www.literaryrejections.com/best-sellers-initially-rejected/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES, Elaine, and you have NO idea how good that made me feel ... especially after 46 rejections on my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure. At least I'm in good company in one area, anyway! ;)

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
    2. Wow, I had no idea… you're another stunning example of why we writers should never, ever give up!

      And actually, why no one should ever give up their dreams.

      Thanks for sharing!

      Delete
  29. Great post, Julie! Just popped by to say hi to you and Elaine. :) And Gone With The Wind is a favorite of mine as well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you decided to visit, Kate--love seeing you here!

      Delete
    2. LOL, KATE ... I just KNEW I liked you, girlfriend, and now I know ONE of the reasons why!! ;)

      Thanks for coming by, Kate!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  30. I tried to read GWTW in high school. Mother loved the movie. I got lost in so many other things at the time. Maybe I will try in the future. I have so many other books that I want to read like some of Julies. I love her books and can't wait to get the latest ones. Would love to win one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Connie, welcome to Everyone's Story. One can never ever have too many books waiting to be read and treasured :)

      Hope to see you again.

      Delete
    2. Hey, CONNIE, do NOT feel badly, sweetie. I honestly think GWTW is the type of old-fashioned book that may not appeal to today's young people. My generation (and all those before me) went absolutely GA-GA over it because up till that time, there weren't the TON of good romance novels out there from which to choose, so GWTW was different and, I think, actually helped break the stigma of dime romance novels, which were looked down upon back then. You might not like it at all, but it is a powerful love story woven into an incredible time period in our history, one that Margaret Mitchell fleshed out SO beautifully.

      Thanks for reading my books, Connie, and I hope you like Surprised by Love! AND ... maybe win it here! ;)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

      Delete
  31. Thanks for the FB Like, Kate. Truly appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks for explaining your passion for romance! I too LOVE romance. I agree with you that its so powerful because its a little glimpse that we can get every day into how much Christ loves us.
    I fell in love with your writing when I read a Passion Most Pure because I identified with Faith the most in the O'Connor family. I loved the plot lines and the twists and Charity was a character that you loved to hate. When the second book came out about Charity I loved it as well because it shows how much Christ can redeem a person from anything they have done. I think that might be my favorite part out of all of your books. How Christ redeems each and every one of us. How God can make us into a brand new creation. I also love that passion and romance is so prevalent in your novels. Because God is the one who has given us passion and romance and kisses etc. It is so wonderful that it is something we can rejoice in. I love how freely you write about it.
    I recently read your surprised by love novel and I fell in love with Megan because I related to her. I was chubby and had glasses and wasn't popular in school. I thirsted for approval just as Megan did. Megan gained confidence by going to Paris and maturing in her faith in Christ and something similar happened to me when I went to college. I gained confidence due to my growth in Christ. So its hard for me to pick a favorite of all of your novels but this latest just might be my favorite because of how closely I relate to Meg. Thank you so much for being such a great author and sharing your stories with us. And never doubt that they speak to readers and change their lives. For the chance to win a novel: my email is mjbrown629@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marisa, thanks so much for visiting. I am so pleased to learn how great fiction zings your heart, and am especially touched that you've shared with us how your faith in Christ helped your confidence. I can so relate!

      Delete
    2. Okay, MARISA, you just made me cry, girlfriend!! Of course, turnabout is fair play, I suppose, if I made you cry through any of my books. :)

      But seriously, THANK YOU soooo much for your incredibly sweet comment AND for reading my books in the first place! It's precious readers like you that encourage and bless me, taking the sting out of 1-star reviews and nasty comments.

      God bless you, Marisa, and GOOD LUCK in the contest, my sweet friend.

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  33. I grew up watching "Gone With the Wind" as my Mom loved that show and I don't know how many times she read the book. Also, because of my Mom my daughter loves it also and has collected some memorabilia, she's a collector, me now so much, lol.

    I have liked Julie's FB page for quite some time and now I have liked your page Elaine.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Wendy! That's my middle name... not too many of us :) Thanks tons for the FB Like.

      I love how you have this family tradition going with GITW.

      Delete
    2. Hey, WENDY ... mmm, the GWTW bug skipped a generation with you, eh? Well, that happens -- my daughter could care less about GWTW. Where did I go wrong????

      Thanks for coming by and here's to a win!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  34. You are both new to me authors. Julie asked a question on her Facebook page and my reply is: I like the Bad Boy AND the Boy Next Door. I like the character and in real life to have manners, be considerate, but also have an edge to him as well. I enjoy someone who isn't 'perfect' or pretend to be perfect. Just honest to goodnesss down home boy/man with some flaws.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, MIPPY ... AND if the boy next door is a bad boy, even better, right?? ;) And, YES, I do love "the edge" as well, which tells me that although you haven't read any of my books, you will probably like them because "edge" is my middle name. :)

      And since you haven't read my books before, I strongly encourage you to download FOR FREE my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure, which won American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the year and currently has 583 five-star reviews on Amazon, so it's not a dog, I promise. And did I mention it’s FREE??? :) Here's the link:

      http://amzn.to/1qxWNTk

      Thanks for coming by and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  35. Oh and I forgot. I 'like' you both on Facebook and my contact info is:
    bunnysmip (AT) gmail (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mippy/Bunny--as a writer, I appreciate your perspective on what you desire to read when it comes to characterization. Thanks for sharing.

      Wow--thanks for the FB Like and the subscription to this blog. So appreciate it.

      Hope to see you again.

      Delete
  36. Thanks, KATE, for the LIKE and for your interest in ALITW! :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  37. Julie, I love your books. Excited about your new release. I also grew up watching Gone With The Wind and I'm convinced Rhett Butler shaped my thoughts on men. I love those bad boys who have a heart of gold.
    eppersonkatrina@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katrina, nice to see you again! That's a fascinating point you've made: so many women want to "tame" bad boys that it makes you wonder if it's related to GWTW.

      Delete
    2. Hey, KATRINA, thank you SO much, my sweet friend!

      That is SUCH an astute comment about Rhett, shaping your thoughts on men. I think you are dead-on because I love those bad boys with heart of gold, too, which is why my very first book featured bad boy Collin McGuire, who not only had a heart of gold (albeit hidden at times), but turned that very heart over to God as well, making it TRUE gold, in my opinion. I know a huge segment of the diehard Christian market do not like bad boys, but for those of us on the fringe??? SIGH!!

      Good luck, Katrina, and here's hoping I get to send you a signed book. :)

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  38. I too have adored GWTW for as long as I can remember, or at least since I was old enough for my mom to allow me to watch the movie. In high school I finally got around to reading it! Love it so much that I named my baby girl Scarlett. Oh, to wear one of those fabulous dresses ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J'nell, so nice to see you! I'm smiling on the your little girl's name choice.

      Delete
    2. J'NELL, truly??? Your daughter's name is Scarlett??? Oh, WOW, I love that name, but didn't have the guts to name my daughter that, although her middle name is "Leigh" after Vivian Leigh, so that's something, I guess.

      And, YES, to wear one of those off-the-shoulder dresses ... uh, let me correct that ... to be ABLE to FIT into one of those dresses would be SO fun! And I know first-hand, because my very first job was at a movie theater premiere, where they showed GWTW. Each of us concession girls not only had to be fitted for Southern Belle dresses with hoops, but get our hair done up in curls on top of our heads as well. It was SOOO fun, especially for this GWTW freak, trust me! ;)

      Good luck and hugs!!
      Julie

      Delete
  39. Julie IS GREAT! Love her books. I've only read the first of her most recent series and would love to read more of that series...

    I have liked your FB page, and liked Julie's long ago=)

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patty, thanks for visiting Everyone's Story. I appreciate you FB Like!!

      Delete
    2. Hey, PATTY, thank you soooo much, sweetie, and it looks like we need to get a copy of Dare to Love Again in your hot, little hands, so GOOD LUCK!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  40. I am always looking for new authors to read. You write the kinds of books I enjoy reading.
    jwisley8(at)me(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're in good company in wanting to read one of Julie's books :)

      Thanks for visiting, Joye.

      Delete
    2. JOYE ... your name looks SO familiar, so I thought you actually had read of my books, but I guess not. If so, I'm going to repeat what I told Mippy above and strongly encourage you to download FOR FREE my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure, which won American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the year and currently has 583 five-star reviews on Amazon, so it's not a dog, I promise. And did I mention it’s FREE??? :) Here's the link:

      http://amzn.to/1qxWNTk

      Thanks for coming by and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  41. Love Julie's books! The worst part of the giveaway is having to pick just one of her books! Lol Thanks for the chance to win one and God bless you both! Btw, liked both of your FB pages...

    writer_weaverATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for swinging by for a visit, Anna. And thanks too for the FB Likes!!

      Hope to see you again.

      Delete
    2. ANNA!!! Hey, girl ... SO nice to see you here and here's hoping you will pull out a win 'cause I'd LOVE to sign a book over to you, my friend. :)

      Hugs!
      Julie

      Delete
  42. Since I only need 3 of her books my choice will be easy. My contact info is moseylion@aol.com. I have liked both pages on my fb page. I love all of Julie's books! I hope to win, since I have never won anything book related except one good reads arc that I entered accidentally and don't even want. My name is Jennifer Davis

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you visited with us, Jennifer. Julie certainly has a devoted fan base, one I know she appreciates. I'm learning so much from her... and from all of you.

      Thanks for the Like.

      Delete
    2. JENNIFER!!! Good girl ... you only need three of my 11 books??? I'm proud of you, my friend, and here's hoping we can at least send you one!

      HUGS AND GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

      Delete
  43. Thank you for that story! I love Gone with the Wind :) You are really great to your fans. Thanks for your time and effort doing this contest. Book contests are one of my favorite things.
    I have liked both pages.
    As for the question- Bad Boy, Brooding or Boy Next Door...... My email address is lokis_chick(AT)hotmail(DOT)com I think that might answer that. Even though it isn't a love story, he is just cool.

    Thanks again!
    Sisters in Christ,
    Shay

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shay, welcome to Everyone's Story--you have a warm sparkle in your comment!

      Thanks for the FB Like. Hope to see you again.

      Delete
    2. Hey, SHAY, thank you SO much, but you know what? I am not fond of the word "fan" because it seems to separate all of us, which I don't like because we're ALL as you say, "sisters in Christ" as well as women and friends who love God and romance -- it's just that some of us write it and others read it. :)

      LOL ... Loki's chick ... SO cute!!

      Good luck in the contest, Shay, and here's hoping we pull out a win for you!

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  44. I would say the boy next door. I read GWTW back several years ago. There are a lot more great Christian romance books to choose from today. I would love to win one of Julie's books! I have liked both pages on fb. I chuckled reading about your "nun" experience. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com Donna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Donna, I appreciate both your visit and the FB Like!

      Delete
    2. DONNA ... I agree, there are SO many more wonderful Christian books to read today, which is why I don't think a lot of young women are all that taken with GWTW or bothered to even read it.

      I'm curious ... if you are fond of the boy next door, did you prefer Ashley Wilkes (who lived next door to Scarlett) over Rhett??

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK in the contest!
      Julie

      Delete
  45. Jen WooldridgeNovember 12, 2014

    Collin is my fav, but I really like Luke too.

    I just finished, "A Love Surrendered." Another beautiful story!

    I don't EVER want to say goodbye to the O'Conner family!! I'm thinking more stories with their grandchildren? Pretty please? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for taking the time to visit, Jen. I so appreciate a reader becoming so close to a character(s) that they don't want to see the conclusion of the story/series.

      Delete
    2. JEN!! Thanks for coming over to toss your vote for Collin in the proverbial hat. I actually did a contest once to see which of my heroes were my readers' favorite, and Collin won hands-down, just as APMP always wins for favorite of my books.

      And, WHOA ... don't even get me started on Luke -- LOVE that man!! He and Mitch are my all-time faves, which pretty much proves I like a really strong man (read: doesn't let me push him around), something that describes both Luke and Mitch to a T. But if you think about it, both Katie and Charity NEEDED strong men, just like I do too.

      And I definitely have one, albeit a truly gentle man. But I had to learn the hard way -- like Katie in the scene with the chicken and shaving cream in A Heart Revealed, which, by the way, was taken almost verbatim from my life, chicken, shaving cream and all!! -- that I could NOT push my guy around, no matter how nice he was. Sigh. It just made me love -- and respect -- him all the more. :)

      As far as the O'Connors, I know what you mean — I miss them something fiece, so trust me — I do intend to continue with them some day in the not-too-distant future with a trilogy for each of the cousins during WWII, beginning with Gabe, Hope, and Henry, then Faith and Collin’s three girls, and so on. :)

      But ... for the time being, you can still revisit the O'Connors in my Christmas novella that's part of the Seekers collection, Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection. My novella, A Whisper of Hope, is a Charity/Mitch subplot my publisher made me cut from A Love Surrendered to shorten the book. So that should be right up your alley, Jen, especially if you just finished ALS! :) Here's the link, just in case: http://bitly.com/1pYi9Jr

      Thanks again for reading my books, and if you post any reviews, do let me know so I can enter you in my newsletter contest to have a character named after you in my next book, okay?

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  46. I first read GWTW when I was about 14 and I fell.in love with Rhett Butler. I could not believe that Scarlett did not realize what she was missing. I have always wondered "What if...."
    I like both Julie and Elaine on FB.
    Connie
    cps1950 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Connie, I'll let Julie respond to that big GWTW question ;) but in my opinion, often, when readers asks what-if questions it's a sign go a great story.

      Hope to see you again. Thanks for the Like.

      Delete
    2. LOL, CONNIE ... I'm with you ... I felt the EXACT same way at 12 when I read it.

      But guess what??? You don't have to wonder "what if" anymore because the GWTW foundation commissioned Alexandra Ripley to write the sequel and trust me, Scarlett gets her man, but not before Rhett puts her through the paces, as it should be. :) It's an older book (published 1992), and definitely not even close to being as good as GWTW, but for a GWTW freak like me, it'll do. :)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      JULIE

      Delete
  47. My favorite hero is definitely Luke McGee....with Mitch in close second. I have liked Julie's FB page in the past and have fallen in love with all of her books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Everyone's Story, Maritza. Hope to see you again.

      Delete
    2. MARITZA!!! When I saw your comment about Luke and Mitch on FB, I thought to myself -- a woman after my own heart!! That's when I realized we were not friends on FB, so I quickly corrected that. :)

      Like I said above in my comment to Jen, Luke and Mitch are strong men, and both Katie and Charity needed that, as do I! The chicken and shaving cream story in AHR??? Yep, that's taken straight from life, hand grip and all with my very own "Luke/Mitch/Patrick" husband. :)

      Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
      Julie

      Delete
  48. Jen WooldridgeNovember 12, 2014

    Opps, email is jen@renewanation.org.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hmn, what a conundrum. Guess who's never read GWTW. A sweet old lady from my church told me that was her favorite book though. I missed quite a few classics in school, but I have been proceeding to go back and finish them all. There may be hope for me yet. And as for your question, I would have to say the Bad Boy AND the Boy Next Door. I suppose that I like someone who is not reticent, because it's just the opposite of me...just waiting until that person comes along. Anyways, thank you so much for sharing with us, Julie. I truly do enjoy reading your books. You had me laughing and exclaiming over your books from the very first page. I cannot wait to meet Megan!! emeraldelena@hotmail.com ~ Blessings, Juli

    P.S. I liked both of your pages Julie & Elaine.

    P.P.S.Your names combined make up my own name. How cool is that? The only differing factor is that my first name is Juli(anna). ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A warm welcome, Julianna. Your personable comment brightened my morning! Thanks for the FB Like.

      That's funny about my and Julie's name combo--no wonder why I enjoy working with the awesome Julie!!

      Delete
    2. Hey, JULIANNA, I'm glad I can make you laugh and talking to my characters -- that's a good sign for me, but not so much for you ... especially if somebody hears you yelling at the book ... ;)

      GWTW is definitely a favorite of my generation, so I'm not sure if you would even like it. BUT ... how many Pulitzer-Prize-winning romance novels are there out there to read??? I'd definitely put it on my TBR list, girlfriend. :)

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  50. Like both Julie's and Elaine facebook pages. Always on the hunt for new authors to read one's who I have never read before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Super thanks, Kim, for visiting today as well for the FB Likes.

      Happy reading… especially with Julie's books!

      Delete
    2. KIM!!!

      LOL ... and I'm always on the hunt for new readers, so we have something in common, girl!! ;)

      And do I have a deal for you, my friend!! Right now you can download my debut novel A PASSION MOST PURE for FREE everywhere, so I hope you check it out. APMP won American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the Year and has 584 five-star reviews, so it’s not a dog, I promise! :) Here's the Amazon link: http://amzn.to/1sKTTLY

      And if you DON’T have an ereader, you can always download a free Kindle app that will allow you to read APMP on your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Droid, so let me know if you want the link, okay?

      And then if you like that one, I invite you to check ou my Christmas book, A Light in the Window, which has won multiple awards. Here’s the video my artist hubby created for it, using my daughter as the model on both the book and in the video:

      http://bit.ly/1kkzvlC

      FINALLY, if you don’t win a free one here, there are lots of other giveaway opportunities on my website calendar at the following link, so GOOD LUCK!!

      http://www.julielessman.com/julies-calendar/

      So ... you're on the hunt for a new author? I'm giving you a free chance to check one out, so I hope you do! :)

      HUGS,
      Julie

      Delete
  51. Julie Lessman is one of my favorite authers. Love her books! rrtroyer@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ruby, thanks for visiting. Check back tomorrow evening for the BIG Giveaway winner.

      Delete
    2. Hey, RUBY, thank you SO much, you sweet thing -- MUCH appreciated! Here's hoping we can pull out a win for you, okay?

      GOOD LUCK and HUGS,
      Julie

      Delete
  52. I love reading Julie's books. Hope I can win a copy of the new book

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As the saying goes, Dawnelle...you never know. Check back tonight for the winner.

      Thanks for visiting.

      Delete
    2. Hey, DAWNELLE, THANK YOU, my friend! And I LOVE writing them, so that works perfectly for both of us! ;)

      GOOD LUCK, sweetie, and fingers crossed for a win! :)

      Hugs,
      Julie

      Delete
  53. This week has been nothing short of phenomenal with the amazing Julie Lessman and all of you viewers and comments that have taken the time to chat up such a delightful conversation with both Julie and me. I hope you will all come back for repeated visits.

    Julie, you've been a true blessing to me, a pick-me-up of energy and excitement and hope. Thank you too for the Giveaway Book.

    And the winner of Julie's book is…

    Wilani. Congratulations, Wilani!!! Happy reading. Both Julie and I will be in direct contact with you shortly.

    Blessings to all.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Elaine, I have to say that this week on your blog has been one of THE BEST blog appearances I have ever had, mostly because of YOU, my friend, and your boundless energy with promotion and comments. You are absolutely a class act, girl, and I would come back anytime!!

    Hugs and thanks again for hosting me!!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete

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