☘️

If you are enough lucky to be Irish,you are lucky enough!

  — Irish Proverb

 

💚 Happy St. Pat’s Weekend!

Okay, I have a confession to make.

My grandmother’s name was Cavanaugh, so I always thought I was 1/4 Irish and proud of it. I have loved everything Irish since the age of 12 when I read Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind for the first time, about an Irish-Catholic family.

In fact, as most of you know, I was SO enamored with GWTW that as soon as I turned the last page, I began to write my own Irish-family saga, which some forty years later became my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure. Which … as you already know … was about an Irish-Catholic family during a war. Only I didn’t have the guts to try the Civil War since nobody could top Margaret, so I chose WW1 instead.

Consequently, every single book I have written since has been about Irish families because let me say it again: I LOVE being Irish!

So … last year when I decided to find out just how Irish I was via a DNA test, I was soooooo excited and promised to let you all know the results when I had them. The problem was, I didn’t let you know the results back then and you want to know why?

Because my DNA test said I was zero Irish. Yep, you heard it — ZERO! Needless to say, I was devastated and kept the news to myself.

Then last Christmas, I decided to give Keith a DNA test and buy an extra for myself. I purchased DNA kits from a totally different DNA company that was more reputable according to all the research I did — Ancestry.com.

Now, let me just say that my hopes were not high because everybody I talked to said that your DNA results would be the same no matter what company you went to. So imagine my shock and surprise when my results came back as … drum roll, please … 30% Irish and Scottish, hailing from Leinster, Ireland!!!

☘️  WHOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! ☘️

So NOW, I want celebrate my Irish heritage with a HUGE sale that I will be announcing on my Facebook Live this Friday at 4:30 PM CDT, so I hope you can make it. I will also be giving away tons of free e-books AND picking one lucky person to get a character named after them in my next book and a signed paperback copy.

Again, that’s THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 15 AT 4:30 PM CDT on my Facebook Author Page, so please mark your calendars. And if you can’t make it at that time, you can always watch it later RIGHT HERE when I post the video below and leave a comment to be entered to win.

Needless to say, I am overjoyed over my Irish roots, because let’s face it, if you call yourself an Irish Family-Saga Author, you would be, right? And I love, Love, LOVE celebrating St. Pat’s Day because it’s fun to celebrate my Irish heritage. But guess what? My identity is not in my Irish roots. It’s not in being an author. It’s not in my family or my friends. My identity is in the God of the Universe and His Son, Jesus Christ, whom I celebrate every day of the year, every hour of every day, and every breath of every hour.

Why?

Because He is my hope, my peace, my joy, and my salvation, and without Him, I would be nothing and have nothing. But I didn’t always feel that way.

I suffered a lot of rejection as a child, so when I became a Christian at the age of 23, I learned about finding my identity in Christ, as a child of God. And I believed it, but it’s taken many, many years and many, many prayers to finally understand what that means.

When I became an author, I found my identity in that. I won awards and racked up 5-star reviews, but it was never enough. I sold a ton of books, but it still wasn’t enough. I would go to the ACFW Conference (American Christian Fiction Writers) each year and had scads of friends, got lots of notice, but it was never enough.

Do you know that at every single conference, I would end up in my room crying because I felt so worthless, felt like no one liked me? It’s true. Me, Miss Confidence and Socialbility who has lots of friends. I felt that way over and over. There’s a line in Lauren Daigle’s song, You Say, that has helped to heal me in this area, and I hope it helps heal you too. It says: “When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours.” All of my life, I didn’t feel like I belonged, but now I do. I belong to Him. And so do you!

The beginning of this transformation happened for me when I took my sabbatical a few years ago as many of you know, when I started seeking God like never before. He showed me that everything I want is in Him and only Him. There was a time when I would not have written this in a blog because I thought it would come off like I was a Jesus freak. But now that I know the truth, I am so very proud to claim my identity in Jesus.

In closing, I would like to share a video of a song by Lauren Daigle with lyrics that I hope will bless you as much as they have blessed me. Her words in this song is what it has taken me 68 years to learn, so I sure hope it doesn’t take you that long! 😳  I listen to this song (and belt it out) every single time I’m on the treadmill because the truth of it is SO very powerful! I love all the lyrics, but especially these lines:

The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me.
In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity.

So, yes, I’m thrilled to be Irish, but I am OVERJOYED to claim my identity in Jesus Christ, because HE is our all in all. Here’s the video. Enjoy!

You Say (with lyrics) by Lauren Daigle

Hugs and Happy St. Pat’s Weekend. Hope to see you on Friday!

Julie

 

 

And you will know the truth,

and the truth will set you free.”

–John 8:3

🍒 Happy Washington’s Birthday!

And I cannot tell a lie — there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t thank God for the “liberty” of knowing Jesus Christ because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life — John 14:6. 

And the “truth” is … true liberty is doing the right thing!

Or at least that’s the theme of my first Western book, For Love of Liberty, WHICH is available for FREE DOWNLOAD right now, February 22-26, so I hope you take advantage.

And, yes, that is my sweet new grandson who was born a month early and wasn’t even supposed to be here till next week, so I’ve included a few more pics below AND my favorite kiss from For Love of Liberty to get the pump primed!!

AND … to sweeten the deal, the next book in the series, LOVE’S SILVER LINING, will also be on sale at 50% off, so you’ll want to check that out too if you haven’t already! Here are the links:

FREE DOWNLOAD for FOR LOVE OF LIBERTY

50%-OFF SALE FOR LOVE’S SILVER LINING

 

HAPPY WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY AND HAPPY READING!

Hugs,

Julie

 

JuJu’s Favorite Pix!

JUJU AND PAPA WITH THEIR BOY!

 

BABY WY WONDERING WHY!

JUJU AND PAPA’S GIRL WITH HER BOY!

 

 

 

 

My Favorite Kiss From

For Love of Liberty!

He slacked a hip, his hunger and fatigue siphoning out every bit of manners his mama ever taught him. “No, Miss Bell, I’m not implying that at all. I’m saying it outright. You’re bossy, pushy, and you like the sound of your own voice, so I’m going home where I can get some peace and quiet.”

“Well, I never!”

“No, I don’t suppose you have,” he said, thinking the woman would be even more drop-dead pretty if she didn’t talk so dad-burned much. “Because I’m sure those milksop dandies you’re used to dealing with in New York toe the line. But this is Virginia City, Liberty Bell, and I’m a man who doesn’t take kindly to a pushy woman. Good night.”

“Oh, no you don’t!” She sprinted to the door and slammed it closed, plastering her body in front with arms outstretched and palms to the door. “There are at least ten points left on my list to cover, mister, and I am not leaving until we’re done.”

“Oh, we’re done, Miss O’Shea,” he ground out, the rare usage of her real surname an indication that his usual tease and banter was as empty as his stomach. “Now get out of my way.”

“No.” She responded with that same determined glint in her eyes she’d always had in spelling bees and science fairs, triggering a hair of his humor—but only a hair. She braced her arms in a tight fold, and he swore the low heels of her green satin ankle boots—which matched her expensive dress to a toe—would leave dents in the polished hardwood floor. The almond-shaped eyes snapped with green fire, igniting both his temper and something far more dangerous to them both. She gave him a sassy jut of her chin. “We can finish our meeting here or at the table, Mr. McShane, your choice.”

“Oh, so now I have a choice?” His brows shot high in mockery, mostly to head off a twitch of a smile. They slashed low again as his voice ground to a growl. “No, ma’am, I’m tired of your yammering and I mean to go home. So I’m not going to tell you again, Liberty Bell—move that fancy dress of yours out of my way, or I’m going to move it for you.”

“You wouldn’t!” Those full pink lips parted in shock, and he mentally tasted them in his mind, grazing their softness with his mouth.

“Try me.” He singed her with a glare as hot as the fire she’d lit in his belly.

She studied him in blessed silence for several moments, as if gauging the validity of his threat, probably not even aware she was biting that lush lower lip he ached to lay claim to. And then the bodice of that incredible dress rose and fell as she switched tracks as smoothly as the V&T, appearing to take a different tact. “Finn, please,” she said in a soft voice that would have melted his insides if he trusted her. Which he didn’t. “Just twenty minutes more, and our meeting will be over, I promise.”

He stood his ground, eyes fixed on emerald eyes fringed with thick lashes instead of those deadly pink lips. Liberty O’Shea had an awful lot to learn about him if she thought she could get anywhere with feminine wiles, which galled him even more than a pushy woman. Didn’t work with Jo Beth, and it sure in the devil wasn’t going to work with the woman who’d just dragged him through the mud in the biggest newspaper in town. At least pushy women were honest—right out there with their bossy demands rather than hiding an agenda to control or manipulate. Besides, the day he’d let Liberty O’Shea win an argument was the day he’d pack up and leave town. And he wasn’t going anywhere.

Except home.

“Hate to break it to you, Miss Bell, but our meeting is over. Now.” Tucking his satchel under his arm, he looped both hands around that tiny, little waist and hiked her up in the air so fast, all he heard was the catch of her breath. Without ceremony, he plopped her down behind him, battling a grin when she squealed and wobbled like a newborn calf on mother’s milk with rum. Snatching his hat off the hook, he slapped it on his head and opened the door. “Good night, Miss Bell. See you next week.”

 Slam! The door banged closed with a stiff breeze, almost taking his nose with it while a wild-eyed firecracker bonded herself to the door. “You are going to listen to me, you mule-brained skunk, if I have to nail this door shut and your shoes to the floor!”

Finn blinked, not sure whether to laugh or cry. He’d always heard redheads had volatile tempers, but he’d honestly had no idea. Although Liberty had never been what you called mild-mannered in school and certainly testier than most girls he knew, she’d never lost control like this before. It was almost like this was her own personal vendetta against the dominance of men in a society that knew little else. A battle of wills she obviously intended to win, but he had some bad news for the little spitfire.

He intended to win too.

In more ways than one.

Sparks and words were flying, but all he could do was glare, the fire in his belly slowly smoldering out of control when his gaze flicked to her lips and held. That perfectly beautiful mouth was just a yapping away, but the only thing he heard was the violent thud of his own pulse and the sound of those lips calling him home …

“And another thing, Finn McShane,” she said, slapping her hands to her hips, “if you don’t march right back to that table and pull your load, I will not only tell the mayor, but I will tell Miss Willoughby and Mrs. Poppy as well.”

Her words suddenly registered, and he could do nothing but shake his head, shades of the old Liberty tattling to their teachers coming to mind. He grinned while he mauled the back of his neck, pretty sure he’d never meet another woman who could fire up every emotion in his body quite like her. “You know, Liberty, you may have grown up into a woman with a fancy degree, but deep down you’re still that spoiled little brat who just wants to get her own way.” He slacked a hip and folded his arms, shuttered eyes issuing one more warning. “Now we can try this all over again next week if you’re willing to behave, but I’m going home, and I suggest you do the same. Now please move.”

“Or what?” She locked her arms to her chest like him and angled a brow, apparently under the mistaken notion she had the upper hand. “You going to manhandle me again, you big bully? Well, there’s nothing you can do to get me to move except sit back down and act like a civil human being.”

“Ha! As if you would even know what that is.” He blasted out a sigh and dropped his head, hands perched low on his hips. “Okay, lady, I’m going to ask you one more time, real nice and civil-like …” He peered up beneath hooded eyes, a near smile on his face. “Will you please move out of my way?”

“Nope.” She smiled and shook her head, as if quite confident he was on the thaw. She clutched her hands behind her back like a little girl about to misbehave, green eyes issuing a dare. “And you can’t make me.”

He sighed. Poor, misguided, little rich girl. “Yeah?” He pushed the brim of his hat up. “Watch me.” Hurling his satchel to the floor, he heard the catch of her breath when he struck like lightning with an arm to her waist. Jerking her close, he kissed the daylights out of her while her boots dangled in the air. Unfortunately, the moment he tasted those soft lips parted in surprise, he was struck by a little lightning of her own, electrifying every nerve in his body while his blood simmered to a dangerous boil.

When a telltale mew escaped her throat, he was helpless to contain the low moan that rose deep in his belly. Butting her to the door, he cradled her face in his hands, longing pumping through his veins as he claimed the sweetest lips he’d ever known—and he’d known plenty—completely disarmed by the scent of her skin, the soft flesh of her ear. Sure, he’d dreamed of kissing Liberty O’Shea for as long as he could remember, but he never expected this—a kiss that could surely tame his taste for all other women.

The very thought bucked like a thorn-saddled bull, and with a rush of icy mountain water surging through his veins, he dropped her to the floor like he’d been bit by a rattler. She teetered precariously—along with his heart—eyes glazed and mouth still open in shock. Mustering all the calm he owned—which was a mite low at the moment—he yanked his hat down low and reached for the knob. She bolted away like he was a grizzly fresh up from a nap, and Finn had to stifle a chuckle, tossing her a wink as he opened the door. “Told you.”

He startled at the sight of Miss Willoughby hurrying down the hall, papers fluttering in her hand while heat seared his collar. “Oh, Finn, I truly apologize for the delay, but the mayor was in one of his chattier moods.” Her pace slowed as her eyes flicked from his sheepish grin to Liberty’s pale face, a crimp of concern creasing her brow. “Is everything all right?”

“Oh, yes, ma’am, we’re all done here and on our way home.”

Relief washed over the schoolteacher’s face as she unleashed a grateful sigh. “Oh, good! I was so worried, but it sounds like you two made some good progress.”

Tipping his hat, he couldn’t resist a smirk over his shoulder, deflecting the wild beat of his pulse with a leisurely wink. “Yes, ma’am, I believe we did.”

 

 

 

 

❤️

We love

because He first loved us.

— 1 John 4:19

❤️ Happy V-Day, Everyone!

Yes, I’m a romance writer so Valentine’s Day is important because it’s the one day of the year that everyone focuses on romance. Which, of course, I LOVE because I LOVE ROMANCE!

But … I would be remiss if I didn’t focus on the greatest romance of all — when the Son of the Living God gave His heart — His valentine — to each of us by dying on the cross. Because of His unfailing love, to me Valentine’s Day is not just a cause to celebrate romantic love, but a day to celebrate what God’s unfailing love has given to each of us.

And so, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I would like to expound on what V-Day might actually stand for to me.

To millions of people embroiled in WW2, V-Day meant freedom and deliverance from tyranny, which is definitely something God’s love has given to me and to you.

And to every Christian on the planet, in addition to freedom from death and the tyranny of sin, V-Day could also stand for things like Value, Vigor, and Victory, gifts from God that forever change our destinies.

❤️ VALUE because God loves each of us with an everlasting love, seeing us as the apple of His eye (Psalm 17:8). To Him, we are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), and “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession.” (1 Peter 2:9)

❤️ VIGOR because His steadfast love invigorates and strengthens us to become the best we can be. “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). “The Lord gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless” (Isaiah 40:29).

❤️ VICTORY because His love means through Him, we can overcome the world. “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4)

^{So this V-Day, whether you are married or single, young or old, female or male, celebrate your true Valentine — the God whose love will never fail.}

Hugs and Happy V-Day!

Julie

 ❤️ We Have Winners!

I want to thank each and every one of you who voted for me in Family Fiction magazine’s Romance Readers Poll because WHOO-HOO — I made the list, which is such an honor! And all because of YOU, so THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! Be sure to check out the link below to see the list of all your favorite authors. I found that the easiest way to do that is to download the PDF and enlarge it on your computer, so here’s the link: Romance Readers Poll. 

And THANK YOU to all of you who entered my Christian Fiction Rocks Contest as well. Wish I could give prizes to everyone, but what I can do is give you a HUGE discount on my most recent novel, Love’s Silver Lining, so check out the sale below that begins today through V-Day Weekend.

Without further ado, the winners of my Christian Fiction Rocks Contest are:

Grand Prize:

AMY CROCKETT LOWE

—Choice of Five Top CBA Books* or $25 Amazon Gift Card

—Character Named for You/Loved One in Upcoming Release, A Wing and a Prayer

—Signed paperback copy of A Wing and a Prayer

*5 new or almost new books by top CBA authors such as Rachel Hauck,

Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Beth Vogt, and more!

 

Two Runners-Up:

Cheyenne Pittser & Dezi Allen

—Character Named for You/Loved One in Upcoming Release, A Wing and a Prayer

—Signed paperback copy of A Wing and a Prayer

Super Congrats to my winners, and I will be in touch.

❤️ 75% Sale on Love’s Silver Lining!

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d share a little love with a 75%-off sale on my most recent novel, Love’s Silver Lining, which goes from $5.99 to $1.49 beginning today through THIS WEEKEND ONLY!! So if you haven’t read this one yet, NOW’S your chance.

NOTE: Since For Love of Liberty is the prequel novel to Love’s Silver Lining, it’s best to read that book first, but GOOD NEWS! If you haven’t read For Love of Liberty yet, check out the info on the FREE DOWNLOAD in the next announcement below. Meanwhile, here’s a glimpse at Love’s Silver Lining:

She tampers with his life.
He tampers with her heart.
Love tampers with them both.

Desperate to escape an arranged marriage to a womanizer, twenty-two-year-old Maggie Mullaney flees New York for Virginia City, Nevada with her Aunt Liberty, two spunky suffragists intent on bettering the lives of women. Fresh out of nursing school, Maggie hopes to devote herself to serving others rather than just one man, a goal quickly affirmed when she encounters Blaze Donovan, a womanizing cowboy who both riles and rouses her pulse. But when Aunt Liberty’s parents’ house burns down, she and Maggie are coerced into staying at the ranch of Liberty’s ex-husband, Finn McShane, who just happens to be the uncle of the cocky cowboy Maggie had hoped to avoid.

If there’s one thing twenty-nine-year-old Blaze Donovan can’t abide, it’s respectable women who spout piety and prayer, so when he butts heads with perky Maggie Mullaney at St. Mary Louise Hospital, he wants to stay as far away from her as he possibly can. Unfortunately, she now lives in the bedroom next to his in his uncle’s ranch house, a revolting development that sends Blaze to The Ponderosa Saloon more than usual. But when Maggie interferes in Blaze’s life by converting his favorite “disrespectable” girl, Blaze is determined to make her pay. Only problem is—the price HE has to pay may be a little too steep for his heart.

BUY LOVE’S SILVER LINING HERE!

 

❤️ Free Download Soon!

Mark your calendars for a FREE DOWNLOAD of FOR LOVE OF LIBERTY on FEBRUARY 23-26!

I wanted to do this free download as a special Valentine’s giveaway mid-month, but the dates didn’t work out with KDP, so better late than never, right? Here’s the jacket blurb:

A Match Made in Heaven?
Or Someplace a Whole Lot Warmer?

She’s stubborn, educated, and looking
to give women the vote.
He’s bullheaded, successful, and looking
to give her a piece of his mind.
But when things heat up, they just may give each other
a piece of their hearts.

So DO mark your calendars for Feb. 23-26 and here’s the link:

FREE DOWNLOAD OF

FOR LOVE OF LIBERTY (2/23-26 ONLY)