Journal Jots – Blog
Welcome to my Journal Jots blog! This is a broad mix of what’s on my mind, allowing me to feel a little bit closer to some of the most important people in my life—YOU! From news on sales, freebies, giveaways, new releases, and excerpts from works in progress … to my thoughts on my walk with God, daily devotionals, or photos of my family, this is where you’ll find the most current glimpse into my books and my life. I invite you to subscribe in the “subscribe” box on the right side of this page to automatically receive an email whenever I post a blog. Till then, God bless and HAPPY READING!
Sunday, July 26, 2020
💚 💛 🧡 What You’ll Find in This Blog Today:
✅ 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting!
✅ A Sale on A Wing and a Prayer!
✅ An Upcoming Sale on Love’s Silver Lining!
✅ 20-Book Giveaway!
✅ Podcast!
✅ Two Blog Giveaways!
✅ Emma and Sean’s Christmas Novella!
✅ Say, what??? A Julie Lessman mystery on the horizon??
😎 Happy Summer, Everyone …
Or as happy as it can be with a pandemic! Hope you and yours are staying safe and well.
Lots has been going on in my world, so let me start with the the most important thing. Our country!
If you’re anything like me, you are heartsick over what’s going on in Portland, Chicago, and all over the United States, which suddenly don’t seem so “united” anymore. We have out-of-control riots, destruction of our cities, demands to defund the police, and decimation of our rich history.
I’m not talking about nonviolent protests that spotlight racial problems which truly need to be addressed, a right guaranteed by our First Amendment: freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
I’m talking about the rumbles of anarchy and Marxism that are slowly encroaching upon our freedoms, especially freedom of religion. The “Cancel Culture” wants to cancel out anyone and anything that doesn’t agree with their beliefs, which is a dangerous place to be because those beliefs are atheistic and in direct conflict with Christianity.
So, what can we do? We can stand up for our country and our beliefs in the strongest way possible — through prayer.
That said, I invite you to join me and thousands of Christians all over the world who will be participating in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama August 2-22, 2020.
Church of the Highlands is my daughter’s church and Keith’s and my online church during the Covid crisis. It is the 2nd largest nondenominational church in the United States with 24 campuses and a weekly attendance of over 52,000 people.
I first got involved with 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting five years ago when my daughter called to say, “Mom, I really think you would like the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting our church is doing, so watch the kickoff service just to see, okay? (Note: This year’s kickoff is Sunday, August 2, 2020.) Silently groaning, I told her I would, fully intending to only watch the first five minutes so I could tell her it wasn’t for me.
Loud groan this time.
Because the pastor hooked me so hard, I just knew God was calling me to do it. Sigh. I promptly complained to Keith that I had to fast things I loved for 21 days, be it sweets, wine, lunch, you name it. And it doesn’t even have to be food — just something you really love that you are willing to lay down for 21 days for a greater good.
Welllllll … not only did that fast propel me into a deeper relationship with God, but it turned my life around in so many wonderful ways that I cannot recommend it highly enough. Now both Keith and I do the 21 Days together each year, as well as a ton of friends who ask me to alert them as to when the next 21 Days comes so they can do it too — it’s that powerful!! And now I’m telling you, too, and asking you to check it out, then pray about whether God wants you to do it or not, okay? I promise you will thank me!
😎 Discount on A Wing & A Prayer E-Book!
Because of all the turmoil going on in our country today, I’m feeling super 🇺🇸 patriotic, so I decided I would discount one of my newest releases (something I don’t usually do till it’s been out about a year or so), by knocking $2.00 off of the e-book for a limited time. This will be the cheapest you can download it for a while, so I encourage you to take advantage. And if you do read it and post a brief review on Amazon, please let me know so I can personally thank you, okay?
CHECK OUT VIDEO TRAILER HERE
https://bit.ly/2Vg0qGr
CHECK OUT REVIEWS AND/OR BUY HERE:
https://amzn.to/2RR0Cud
😎 Love’s Silver Lining $ .99 One Weekend Only!
As many of you know, Book 2 in the Silver Lining Ranch Series, Love’s Silver Bullet, is out there racking up reviews, so I hope you check some of them out on this 5-star read at the links below, as well as the VERY COOL trailer/video my husband Keith made for it.
And for those of you who haven’t read Book 1 in the series, Love’s Silver Lining, now is your chance because for a limited time only, LSL will be on e-sale August 1-3 for only $ .99! So, so don’t miss out on this 5-star read because it won’t last long! Here’s what people are saying!
✅ “JULIE LESSMAN + WESTERN ROMANCE = GOLD RUSH! You heard it here, folks. Julie Lessman was created to write westerns.” —Reading is my SuperPower Blog
✅ “I have loved Julie Lessman’s writing for years, but I can’t believe how great she writes cowboys! I love westerns and reading Julie’s version is pure fun.” —Mary Connealy, award-winning author of Brides of Hope Mountain Series
LOVE’S SILVER BULLET VIDEO: https://bit.ly/2XA7VYC
BUY LOVE’S SILVER BULLET: https://amzn.to/2TGE3JQ
BUY LOVE’S SILVER LINING @ 99 CENTS ON 8/1: https://amzn.to/2E7Urrl
😎 “A Most Storied Romance” 20-Book Giveaway!
I am SO excited because I am part of — along with 24 other Christian authors — a new FB Group called A MOST STORIED ROMANCE that you are definitely going to want to join, not only because it’s free, but because it’s absolutely AMAZING!
YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN … this cool new reader community for those who love to read, write, and live romance! Join 25 uplifting romance authors listed below for reader events, blogger and reviewer opportunities, exclusive content, fun chats, and many, many book recommendations!
SO, FIND/JOIN US HERE:
✅ A Most Storied Romance Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amoststoriedromance/
✅ A Most Storied Romance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amoststoriedromance/
✅ A Most Storied Romance Monthly: https://www.subscribepage.com/amoststoriedromance
✅ A Most Storied Romance Official Website:
https://amoststoriedromance.com/
✅ Finally, enter the 20-Book Giveaway here: https://www.subscribepage.com/amoststoriedromance
All you do is sign up to receive A Most Storied Romance Monthly newsletter to get uplifting romance straight to your inbox on the first of every month! In addition to being entered to win a 20-book giveaway, you’ll receive:
* exclusive short stories
* insider info about our authors
* reader events
* blogger/reviewer opportunities
* exciting news
* new releases
NOTE: FB and IG are not affiliated with this giveaway. Paperbacks available for US Residents only. Ebooks will be sent to any non-US resident. Winner will be chosen Sept. 1st.
Paperbacks To Be Given Away:
A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter
A Heart Surrendered by Joy Massenburge
A Girl’s Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate
Summer House by Jenny Hale
A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund
Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter
At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer
Start With Me by Kara Isaac
Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish by Bethany Turner
Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano
A Match for Emma by Pepper Basham
If for Any Reason by Courtney Walsh
Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett
Now and Then and Always by Melissa Tagg
Flight Risk by Cara Putman
Above the Fold by Rachel McDaniel
This Wandering Heart by Janine Rosche
Ebooks To Be Given Away:
Engaged in Trouble by Jenny B. Jones
A Wing and a Prayer by Julie Lessman
Love Arrives in Pieces by Betsy St. Amant
😎 Join Me on WW2 Fiction Talk Podcast!
MEGA HUGS TO WONDERFUL WWII AUTHOR Liz Tolsma for featuring me on her WWII Fiction Talk podcast!
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it chatting with Liz (whose WW2 insight and books you would love, by the way!), and I hope you do too!
You’ll find lots of great reviews and authors on this fascinating forum (including my interview with Liz for A Wing and a Prayer), so check it out HERE!
😎 Blog Giveaways!
JULY 30 – AUGUST 1: Join me on Sally Shupe’s blog for a 3-day giveaway of either of my latest books — A Wing and a Prayer or Love’s Silver Bullet — in e-book.
Three chances to win, so come on by to leave a comment and spread the word!
AUGUST 1-31, 2020: On August 17th, I will be giving away 10 e-books on Alexis A. Goring’s, MFA, God is Love blog to celebrate her 10th blog birthday with book giveaways from 31 different authors every single day of the month!
So, visit the God is Love blog HERE August 1 – 31, 2020 to join in on the fun. Giveaways end Sept. 2, 2020 and winners will be notified via email.
NOTE: My giveaway is for winner’s choice of either A Light in the Window or Isle of Hope, but if you tell me you are a Journal Jot reader, I’ll give you your choice of any one of my indie e-books).
😎 Emma & Sean’s Christmas Novella:
The Promise of Hope!
I suppose it’s not the easiest thing to write a Christmas novella in 90-degree weather, but it certainly was “cool” hanging out with the O’Connors once again, which is why I LOVED writing Emma and Sean’s novella, The Promise of Hope.
Next year will be Annie and Steven’s turn, followed by Gabe and Alex the year after.
Then … drum roll, please … I will be, God willing, writing a final Christmas novella for Marcy and Patrick in 2023, which I will then publish in paperback as an O’Connor Christmas Anthology to include all the prior Christmas novellas as well (which now are only in e-book).
But for 2020, here’s the cover for this year’s novella, The Promise of Hope, so I hope you like it. It’s tough enough finding stock photos depicting the mood I’m going for, much less reflecting the personalities and looks of the characters, but I always come as close as I can.
Had to switch out dark hair on this male model for blond and beef him up a bit to more closely match Sean, but it’s as close as I could come, even though he looks nothing like I imagine in my mind. 🙂
It releases September 1, 2020, but you can pre-order it now:
Here’s the jacket blurb:
She’s a woman of deep faith,
Till one careless comment steals it away.
He’s a man of deep joy,
Till his wife’s pain takes it away.
Fortunately they serve a God of deep love,
Whose promise of hope brings blessings to stay.
Most of my novellas are based on a spiritual lesson God taught me through my own trials, and The Promise of Hope is no different. Based on my own issues of infertility, I am hoping and praying that God will use it to bless and encourage you and women who, like me at one time, didn’t quite believe that Romans 5:5 was true when it says that, “hope does not disappoint.”
The Promise of Hope will release on September 1st and will be available for pre-order soon, so check back with this blog to not only see the cover, but to find the pre-order link.
🔎 A Julie Lessman Mystery??!!
Yes, it’s true! I’m getting antsy once again for a new genre, so I’m venturing out into the ever-popular world of mystery and suspense! I never figured I could write a mystery because you really have to be extra smart to fool everyone, right?
But then my friends reminded me that almost every one of my books have a twist ending, so who knows? Maybe I can write a mystery after all!
The fun part for me is that it will be loosely tied to the Isle of Hope series because it will take place on Lake Loon, where Chase and Cat live (the hero and heroine from book 3, His Steadfast Love), on Emerald Cottage Cove. I absolutely loved Chase’s quirky and backwoods landlady, adopted grandmother, and owner of Lake Loon, Mrs. Lillian Mariah McGill, otherwise known as Miss Lilly, so I will be revisiting her in a mystery loosely titled, The Secret of Emerald Cottage Cove. Here’s a sketchy blurb:
When international playboy and Irish soccer star Rob McGill learns he stands to inherit Lake Loon and a lakeside cottage from a great aunt who is in a coma from a drowning accident, it seems the perfect place to heal from game injuries and escape a tabloid scandal.
At thirty-three Rob is disillusioned with the game, his fiancee, and life in general, craving nothing but a little peace and solitude to get his head on straight. But when he discovers the cottage he hopes to inherit is not only inhabited by a pretty prude of a nurse, but soon by a crusty Aunt Lilly as well, his plans take a nose-dive in the lake. Because suddenly it appears not only was Aunt Lilly’s accident no accident … but apparently now somebody wants to see them all dead.
Well, that’s all for now, but PLEASE say one for me for wisdom, creativity, and anointing, okay? THANK YOU!!
Stay safe and well!
♥️ Hugs,
Julie
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
“My, but we’ve had a hot summer, haven’t we, though?”
–Love’s Silver Bullet
😎 Ahem … well, if it hasn’t been warm where you live yet, get ready to crank up the AC because Love’s Silver Bullet is out there heatin’ up a storm in the romance department!
Want proof? Check out the video below for a sneak peek at Sheridan and Jake’s story, which is, addmittedly, one of my, uh … warmer … books in this series, making it the perfect beach read this summer!
🤠 Love’s Silver Bullet Now in Paperback!
And, YES, ma’am, it’s true! Love’s Silver Bullet is now available in paperback, so for all you non-e-book types, your wish is my command! Check out the endorsements below and HAPPY READING!
🤠 “I have loved Julie Lessman’s writing for years, but I can’t believe how great she writes cowboys! I love westerns and reading Julie’s version is pure fun.” —Mary Connealy, award-winning author of Brides of Hope Mountain Series
🤠 “JULIE LESSMAN + WESTERN ROMANCE = GOLD RUSH! You heard it here, folks. I think Julie Lessman was created to write westerns.” —Reading is my SuperPower Blog
🤠 “Whoa, Whoa, Whoa! If you think sparks were flying in Julie Lessman’s Daughters of Boston novels, then you have GOT to get a load of her new Silver Lining Ranch” novels.” —My Favorite Pastime Blog
BUY LOVE’S SILVER BULLET IN PAPERBACK OR E-BOOK
📚 Reviews Desperately Needed!
Hey, guys, I need your help! If you read and enjoyed Love’s Silver Bullet, A Wing and a Prayer, Isle of Hope — or any of my indie books this year — would you consider posting a brief (1- or 2-line) review on Amazon? And it can even be the same generic review posted for each book, just saying you like my writing. And if you do, PLEASE let me know HERE because I want to personally thank you, okay?
Also, if you posted a review on Goodreads but not Amazon, please consider posting that same review on Amazon as well. And again, if you do, please let me know.
Most people don’t realize how critical good reviews are to authors — especially indie authors like me. But so many readers base book-buying decisions on the number of good reviews posted, that that’s the best way to bless an author you like. So, I encourage you to post reviews for EVERY author you like because TRULY, that’s the best way to thank them for all the time and hard work they put into the novels you enjoy.
🤠 Winners in Love’s Silver Bullet Video Contest!
My apologies for the delay in announcing the winners from my Love’s Silver Bullet Video Contest a few weeks ago, but after a crazy spring getting two books out, I’ve finally been able to S-L-O-W D-O-W-N and enjoy the upcoming “Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer.” Plus, I’ve been waiting until the paperback of Love’s Silver Bullet was out so I could announce both it and the e-winners from this contest at the same time.
So, without further ado, SUPER CONGRATS to the following winners, each of whom I will personally contact:
🤠 GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Signed paperback of Love’s Silver Bullet, $25 Amazon G.C., and a main character named for you/loved one in my next book is:
Connie Porter Saunders
🤠 THREE RUNNERS-UP: An e-copy of Love’s Silver Bullet and bit character named for you/loved one in my next book is:
Tiffany Mirisoleiman
Connie Hendryx
Stephanie
🇺🇸 Bring on the Patriotism! 
Since 2020 is the 75th Anniversary of the end of WW2, this is not only an appropriate time to read about that tumultuous time in our history, but also a beneficial one because it focuses on America as a unified nation fighting a common enemy.
In light of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day last year and V-E Day this year, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed writing Gabe’s Story in A Wing and a Prayer! And from the strong 5-star rating on Amazon, I’m guessing many of you also enjoyed this rollercoaster read as well, so THANK YOU! And at the risk of sounding like a broken record 😳, if you have read and liked A Wing and a Prayer, I hope you will consider posting a brief review on Amazon saying so, then please let me know.
BUY A WING AND A PRAYER IN PAPERBACK OR E-BOOK HERE
💻 So … What’s Next on my Computer?
Four O’Connor Christmas novellas down, and only three to go until I publish an entire O’Connor Christmas Novella Anthology that will end with a special Christmas story for Marcy and Patrick.
But until then, next up for a novella is Sean and Emma’s Christmas story, A Hope Restored, which I have just started plotting, so prayers appreciated for God’s direction and anointing.
What I’ve been trying to do with each of these novellas is to incorporate a spiritual lesson I have learned in my own marriage and life, and Sean and Emma’s story is no different. I am hoping that it will bless my readers as much as this spiritual lesson blessed me.
I hope to release A Trust Restored in September or October, but I’ll keep you posted on Journal Jots as to exactly when. Till then, here’s a brief blurb:
She’s a woman of deep faith,
Till one careless comment steals it away.
He’s a man of deep joy,Till his wife’s pain takes it away.
Fortunately they serve a God of deep love,
Whose Christmas blessings are able to restore it all.
💛 How Has My Year Been Going?
I may just be one of the few people on the planet who enjoys quarantine because it helped me knock out two pretty hefty novels since I was able to focus on nothing but.
Nothing but, that is, except for two wonderful weeks in April when Keith and I had the joy of watching our three grandchildren while my son and daughter-in-law delivered their fourth child. The next week we spent time with my daughter, son-in-law and my 14-year-old grandson, which was also wonderful! But please note that we all strictly self-quarantined the two weeks prior to these two weeks to make sure everyone was Covid-free!
And, OH MY, did we have a blast! Trust me, “Juju” can keep up with the best of those little critters with games of wiffleball, go fish, doggie-doggie, where’s your bone? Mother, may I? Simon says, hopscotch, scavenger hunts, swinging statues, bubbles, board games, chalk, etc., plus two hours of wild dancing throughout the entire Greatest Showman movie. WHEW!
So, I thought it would be fun to share some of the photos from my last three months, which you will find below.
Till my next Journal Jot, I wish you and yours a safe and healthy summer!
Hugs,
Julie
The FaceTime call where we learned of the arrival of our fourth grandchild, little Caleb!
Caleb’s sister holding him for the first time!
Caleb’s brother holding him for the first time!
The “heart baby” you all prayed for is a true pistol and joy!
Our heart baby insisted that good-natured Papa wear her “Elsa” braid (from Frozen)!
Sweet Baby Wy not such a baby anymore!
Just one of many gorgeous sunsets we are blessed to see at the Lake!
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
NOTE: SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO/TRAILER RAFFLECOPTER CONTEST.
Happy Memorial Day Week, Everyone!
Today is the day we honor all those heroes who have gone before us to secure our freedom, and my heart is full with gratitude for their sacrifice and service.
I felt today’s header Scripture was most appropriate, not only for the sacrifice that our veterans have made, but for the sacrifice that God’s Son made for us as well. Our veterans gave their all to keep us free, but our Savior gave His all to SET us free! Because He laid down his life for all of us, not only to set us free spiritually, but mentally, emotionally, and physically as well.
This is a lesson that Jake Sullivan—the hero in my upcoming novel, Love’s Silver Bullet—has to learn the hard way, AND a lesson I hope blesses you as much as it has me.
I’m very excited to say that not only does Love’s Silver Bullet — Book 2 in the Silver Lining Ranch Series — release on MAY 31st, but my AMAZINGLY talented hubby made a wonderful video/trailer for Love’s Silver Bullet as well, so check out the video/trailer link below and how you can win a signed paperback copy, $25 Amazon gift card, and a character named after you or a loved one in my next book.
So, if you haven’t pre-ordered Love’s Silver Bullet yet, you have till MAY 31 to get a PRE-ORDER DISCOUNT, so don’t pay more than you have to, okay?
PRE-ORDER LOVE’S SILVER BULLET HERE!
Giveaways for Love’s Silver Bullet!
Yep, what’s a book release without giveaways, right? So, here’s your chance to win e-book copies of Love’s Silver Bullet in a special MAY LAUNCH CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY!
WHAT: A fun day of giveaways where eighteen authors including MOI will be giving away books every five minutes all day long!
WHEN: Wednesday, May 27th from 10:30 – 3:00 PM.
WHERE: The Christian and Sweet and Clean Book Launches Facebook Page.
DETAILS/RSVP AT: The May Launch Celebration FaceBook Event Page.
JULIE’S TIMES FOR GIVING AWAY BOOKS: 11:20 AM, 1:40 PM, 2:50 PM and 3:20 PM.
So, come on by because there will be LOTS of chances to win! Hope to see you there!
We Have Winners From V-E DAY Video/Trailer Contest!
MEGA thanks to everyone who took time to watch my husband’s AMAZING trailer/video for A Wing and a Prayer — your time is precious, and I thank you for giving it to me!
BUT … if you didn’t win here, you can always win Love’s Silver Bullet during my trailer/video contest mentioned in the next contest below, so keep reading!
Without further ado, the following entrants were picked by Randomizer to win an e-copy of Gabe’s story, so SUPER CONRATS to each of you and THANK YOU for your support! I will be contacting you via email.
Patience
Judy Westmoreland
Karen Asfour
Sarah “Moon” Trout
Abigail Harris
Video/Trailer Contest for Love’s Silver Bullet!
WHOO-HOO!!! I am sooooooo grateful to my sweet hubby for putting together this incredible trailer/video for Love’s Silver Bullet because it is AMAZING! SO amazing, in fact, that I’m running a contest to promote it where you can win:
🤠 GRAND PRIZE: Signed paperback copy of Love’s Silver Bullet,
a $25 Amazon gift card, and a main character named after you
or a loved one in my next book!
🤠 THREE RUNNERS-UP: Win an e-copy of Love’s Silver Bullet,
and a bit character named after you or a loved one in my next book.
How? Easy-Peasy! Just watch the Love’s Silver Bullet video/trailer at the link below, then answer the question in the Rafflecopter box at the end of this blog. That’s it, and you’re in the draw!
LOVE’S SILVER BULLET VIDEO/TRAILER!
Contest ends June 4th. Winners will be announced June 6th right here on Journal Jots, so GOOD LUCK!
YEE-HAW and HUGS!
Julie
Meet Julie
