Journal Jots – Blog

  “Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity.

 

That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything.

 

There is an element of mystery in this transaction: you give me thanks

 

(regardless of your feelings) and I give you joy

 

(regardless of your circumstances).”

 

—Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Happy Black Friday …

Although I will admit that there was NO way this SA-CDQ (shopping-aversive caffeinated drama queen) would be caught dead in a mall today, braving the insanity of long lines and testy crowds just to save a few bucks. Especially after cooking/cleaning for 30 people on Thxgiving and then cooking/cleaning for a baby shower tomorrow (Saturday).

Brrr … cold chills!!!

 

Nope, to me the Friday after Thanksgiving needs to be spent just like this—sleeping in, then helping my daughter bake/cook for a baby shower tomorrow while watching Hallmark movies, followed by devotional/writing time in my sun-lit hearth room, computer in my lap and feet up. The fireplace is cozy and crackling, the tree is aglow with twinkle lights, bows, ornaments, and I have a cup of cinnabon coffee. Sigh. Kind of tough to top this afternoon … unless my daughter were home (instead of at her inlaws) to share a piece of pumpkin pie with lots of whipped cream …

So, when I read my Jesus Calling devotional this afternoon and saw the quote at the top of this blog, let me just say it packed more punch than the full-strength Cinnabon coffee I’m pumping into my veins.

Why? Well, it’s interesting.

While my daughter and I were cooking/baking this morning (ahem … to be fair, she was cooking/baking, and I was only helping), she was particularly quiet. Maybe she was tired from two boisterous Thanksgivings (ours and her inlaws) or from the movie we all stayed up late to watch, or even because we already spent a good part of two nights talking and catching up. Whatever the reason, I felt a bit unsettled about it.

You see, my daughter lives in Birmingham, so I rarely get to see her, which means although I covet every moment we have together, I also realize her time must be divided between the inlaws and her dad and I. Now, as a gal from a family of thirteen kids where there were always lots of activities going on, I tend to think our clean and quiet house of two people and no pets can’t possibly be as appealing to my daughter as the inlaws’ house with four kids, three spouses, six grandkids, and two dogs running around, playing games and going crazy with fun things to do. That said, when my daughter was quiet this morning, tinges of blue tried to color my mood with crazy thoughts like the inlaw’s house is more fun than ours or she’d rather be with her mother-in-law than with me, etc.

In the past when something like this has happened, there have been times that it threw me into a funk, although I do try to hide it well. So when my daughter was unusually quiet this morning, I could feel the malaise quietly moving in …

And that’s when the most wonderful thing happened! In the middle of the silence, I heard that still, small voice, whisper in the ear of my mind:

“Julie, I love you with an everlasting love.”

Oh my!  In one glorious beat of my heart, tears stung, and all at once, thoughts of God’s “unfailing love” rained down—ALL the more powerful because that’s the title of book 1 of my Isle of Hope series I’m currently writing:

For I have always been mindful of your unfailing love, Lord, and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. — Psalm 26:3

 

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! — Psalm 36:7

 

Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love, O God. — Psalm 44:26

 

And that’s when today’s Jesus Calling quote at the top of this blog came into play before I even read it. You see, the moment the Holy Spirit nudged my mind towards God instead of self, I found myself thanking Him for my daughter, for the time I get to spend with her, and for the beautiful and godly woman she has become. I prayed God would bless her time with her inlaws and with us as well. And then after she left for her inlaws, I sat down to pray and read my devotional, which certainly bears repeating:

 “Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity.

That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything.

There is an element of mystery in this transaction: you give me thanks

(regardless of your feelings) and I give you joy

(regardless of your circumstances).”

And guess what? “Thankfulness did take the sting out of adversity” — big time!! When I was able to rein in my feelings (not an easy thing for a CDQ to do), God gave me joy in the midst of a circumstance that in the past, would have brought me down. And after I cried even more tears of freedom and joy, I then received the following text from my daughter:

“Thank you guys for your help in getting ready for this shower. I love you so much and hate feeling torn when I’m in St. Louis. You both will forever be my favorite … you are my everything.”

Sniff. I don’t know about you, but for me, that’s what Thanksgiving is really all about!

Hugs and Thanksgiving for ALL of His blessings!

Julie

BLOG INTERVIEW/GIVEAWAYS!!

NOVEMBER 24-30, 2014:

Join me on the Artist Librarian blog for a fun article on my books covers and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!

http://theartistlibrarian.blogspot.com/2014/11/covering-boston-to-san-francisco-julie-lessman.html

 

 

DECEMBER 1-7, 2014:

Join me on the Carole Jarvis’ blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!

http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com/

 

FREEBIES & SALES:

 

MITCH & CHARITY CHRISTMAS NOVELLA RELEASES NOVEMBER 10 FOR ONLY $2.99!  WHOO-HOO … I am very excited to announce that I am part of a Seeker Historical Christmas novella collection called Hope for the Holidays that not only features a story on Mitch and Charity, but novellas by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, and Myra Johnson.

In addition to this historical collection, The Seekers are also releasing a contemporary Hope for the Holidays collection as well, so be sure to check both out on Amazon November 10.

Here’s the blurb for Mitch and Charity’s story, which is called A Whisper of Hope:

Christmas is the season of hope, which is exactly what Charity O’Connor Dennehy is counting on. Since the birth of her twins twelve years ago, she’s prayed and hoped for a houseful of babies to love, but it wasn’t meant to be. With a husband dead-set against adoption, there’s barely a whisper of hope to change his mind, but if hope doesn’t disappoint … could it be enough to find a precious bundle under her tree?

FREE Download of

A Passion Most Pure!

ACFW Debut Book of the Year & almost 300 5-star reviews can’t be wrong! See why some have read it 20 times!

Click here:

AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, CHRISTIANBOOKSTORE.COM, iBOOKSTORE

 

CHRISTMAS IS COMING AND A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW IS FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!!  My Irish Christmas love story, A Light in the Window—winner of three awards—is ABSOLUTELY FREE on Kindle Unlimited, so do check it out. Here’s the video my hubby did for A Light in the Window with my daughter as the model for both the book and video, so take a peek to get you in the Christmas spirit. ALITW Video.

 

 “I love you, Patrick, with all of my heart.

You taught me what real love is—with your kindness, your caring …

your commitment. From the day I became your wife,

I have felt nothing but safe and cherished and whole.”

—A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman,

 

People say you should write what you know …

So I write about great marriages that go through trials. Then come out on the other side even better. Like Marcy and Patrick O’Connor in A Passion Denied, where an awful argument separates them emotionally for a time, but when they came back together, the union is stronger, wiser, brimming with more gratitude than ever before.

Trust me, I know—after 36 years of marriage, Keith and I have been there and back more times than we can count. But when the smoke finally clears and God’s precepts of forgiveness and respect have done their job, we are bonded more closely than ever before, which is the stuff true love is made of. Two fallible human beings, cemented together by the grace of God, a spiritual epoxy that no man can put asunder.

What therefore God hath joined together,

let not man put asunder. — Mark 10:9

Whenever I get a letter or email from a reader, telling me they would like to have a marriage like Marcy and Patrick’s someday, I always get tickled. Why? Because I know that not only is it possible, but it’s exactly what God wants for those He’s called to be married. How do I know? Well, because as I mentioned in my Journal Jot a few weeks back, Marcy and Patrick’s marriage in the O’Connor family saga is based on my husband’s and mine, so not only do I know it’s possible, but I also know how it’s possible. 

Through prayer and precepts. 

It starts off with asking God to shape and mold your marriage the way He wants it to be, then following it up with application of His precepts in that marriage. And if you’re not married yet, then it means praying for God to bring the godly man He wants you to have. 

So … in a world where divorce is rampant, I thought it might be fun to highlight another couple who, based on what I know about them, have what I like to refer to as “a marriage made in heaven” (aka … God is in the center and His precepts are applied).

Allow me to introduce you to Mike and Beth Miller.

Beth is a sweet reader friend of mine (I’m not fond of the word “fan”) who is apparently madly devoted to my books. Which is cool because Mike, Beth’s husband, is madly devoted to her! I discovered this when I received an email last year, not from Beth, but from Mike, telling me he wanted to make Beth’s birthday special with a signed copy of my upcoming release. I was completely touched that a husband would take the time to do this for his wife, so Mike and I became fast friends … and fast co-conspirators! Here’s the first email I received from him:

Dear Julie,

I am writing you on behalf of my wife Beth. She absolutely loves your books and I have bought them all for her to read (which is her favorite past-time). Do you have any upcoming book signings or perhaps a list of appearances you’ll be making near Alabama where I might be able to surprise her with a chance to meet you in person or get one of her books signed by you? Please let me know. Look forward to hearing from you. God Bless!

Unfortunately I had no plans to be in Alabama when Mike wrote this email, so I sent him a signed spiral-bound copy (used to enter contests) of A Light in the Window (it was not in paperback yet, but is now, and it was the only book of mine Beth didn’t own) along with bookmarks and bookplates for all of my books. Here’s his response:

“Thank you for doing this for Beth, once you meet her, you’ll understand truly why I love her so much. She was made by God just for me … we’re soul mates. You’ve made one very happy husband, and when she finds out what she’s getting from you, a very happy wife and die-hard fan of yours!”

So for Beth’s birthday this year, Mike had preordered Surprised by Love and requested a signed bookplate via the following adorable email:

Our Dear Friend Julie,

Hey it’s Mike and Beth. How are you? I am fine, but Beth is suffering from withdrawals after completing your last novel and is in therapy until October, anxiously awaiting your next book.

Isn’t that cute? Well, in addition to the signed bookplate I sent him for the copy of Surprised by Love he preordered, Mike arranged a secret 2nd honeymoon of sorts to the Wyndham Bay Point Resort in Panama City Beach to celebrate Beth’s birthday, where the picture above was taken. It was SO fun to see a photo of this truly special couple, and to go along with it, I asked Beth a little bit about Mike, so here are her words:

“Mike is about 6’7″, and I love how tall he is.  His hugs are the best. Mike is absolutely wonderful.  I could not ask for a better man.  He was 40 and I was 30 when we got married.  It is both of our first marriage.  We are both so thankful that we waited for each other.  I always read Christian romance books thinking that I wanted that, but I thought that it would never happen.  I never dreamed God had a man as wonderful as Mike for me.”

And for those singles out there who may be reading this blog, I asked Beth for a word of encouragement for you, too, and here’s what she said:

“I did pray for God to show me the man he had for me. I probably started praying in about 5th grade for my future husband. I know my parents and grandparents have also prayed for my future husband.

We met at church. Mike was born in Chicago and lived there until he joined the Army after 9/11. He was stationed at the base close to where I lived in Alabama.  My church had a military ministry, and Mike started coming to our church because of that. I was away at Bible college at the time and was only home during holidays and summers.

Mike asked me out 8 years before we started dating. I could not go out with him when he asked and then I moved away, so we did not really see each other for a while.  After I moved back, my parents were still going to that church and I requested Mike’s friendship on Facebook.  We started chatting on there and before long, we were dating. We dated for about a year before we got engaged.  Sometimes I wish that we had gotten together 8 years sooner, because now I know what a great man he is. But I know that God got us together in His time. I definitely would not have had the appreciation I do for him if we had gotten married 8 years sooner.” (Author note here: Yes, Yes, Yes!! God’s timing is best!)

Beth continues: “I thought that I was never going to get married. The funny thing is that I really wanted to get married, but I was tired of dating and it not working out. It just seemed like so much work. I decided that God maybe wanted me to be single. I was not interested in dating anyone, at least for a while. I just had such peace in my life. Then God sent Mike a few months later. It was like God needed me to get to that point before He sent me someone. It is truly worth waiting on the one God has for you.”

I totally agree and am praying right now for those of you who have not met your “Mike” yet or those of you whose husband is not quite a “Mike” or “Keith” yet. I know it’s hard, but the most important thing is to keep your eyes on God and make Him #1 in your life. I have found that by praising Him no matter what and applying His precepts in my life and marriage, good things follow. I pray they do for you as well!

Hugs and Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.

Julie

 

BLOG/RADIO GIVEAWAYS:

WHOO-HOO … I’M ON THE RADIO NOVEMBER 22-23, 2014!!

Join me on the radio with a fun interview with Ivy Donavan of “Dottin’ the I” radio show. Listen and leave a comment, and you’re automatically entered into my giveaway for a signed copy of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love. Here’s the link, and hope to see you there Saturday from 7-8 PM or Sunday from 2-3 PM, OR on the pre-recorded link on the website after the interviews.

http://dottinthei.com/

 

NOVEMBER 24-30, 2014:

Join me on the Artist Librarian blog for a fun article on my books covers and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!

http://theartistlibrarian.blogspot.com/2014/11/covering-boston-to-san-francisco-julie-lessman.html

 

DECEMBER 1-7, 2014:

Join me on the Carole Jarvis’ blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!

http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com/

NEW RELEASE!!!

MITCH & CHARITY CHRISTMAS NOVELLA RELEASES NOVEMBER 10 FOR ONLY $2.99!  WHOO-HOO … I am very excited to announce that I am part of a Seeker Historical Christmas novella collection called Hope for the Holidays that not only features a story on Mitch and Charity, but novellas by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, and Myra Johnson.

In addition to this historical collection, The Seekers are also releasing a contemporary Hope for the Holidays collection as well, so be sure to check both out on Amazon November 10.

Here’s the blurb for Mitch and Charity’s story, which is called A Whisper of Hope:

Christmas is the season of hope, which is exactly what Charity O’Connor Dennehy is counting on. Since the birth of her twins twelve years ago, she’s prayed and hoped for a houseful of babies to love, but it wasn’t meant to be. With a husband dead-set against adoption, there’s barely a whisper of hope to change his mind, but if hope doesn’t disappoint … could it be enough to find a precious bundle under her tree?

 

FREEBIES & SALES:

FREE Download of

A Passion Most Pure!

ACFW Debut Book of the Year & almost 300 5-star reviews can’t be wrong! See why some have read it 20 times!

 Click here:

AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, CHRISTIANBOOKSTORE.COM, iBOOKSTORE

 

 

CHRISTMAS IS COMING AND A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW IS FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!!  My Irish Christmas love story, A Light in the Window—winner of three awards—is ABSOLUTELY FREE on Kindle Unlimited, so do check it out. Here’s the video my hubby did for A Light in the Window with my daughter as the model for both the book and video, so take a peek to get you in the Christmas spirit. ALITW Video.

 

And hope does not disappoint …

Romans 5:5

~~~

“Communication and honesty are critical

 in a marriage, Charity, which is what I thought we agreed to.”

“We also agreed to compromise, Mitch Dennehy,

but you’ll probably ban me from St. Mary’s for spite

because you wouldn’t know compromise if it bit you in the backside.”

His chuckle blew warm against her hair.

“Sure I would, little girl—I’ve been bitten in the backside many a time by

one of your harebrained schemes …”

 —A Whisper of Hope by Julie Lessman,Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection

Wait … did somebody mention hare-brained schemes???

Ah, yes, one of my favorite heroines is back with a “harebrained scheme” she “hopes” and prays will not disappoint.

And you know what? I’m right there with her—hoping and praying my brand-new Christmas novella, A Whisper of Hope, from the Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection—won’t either.

So far, so good! I’m thrilled to say Hope for the Holidays has been #1 on Amazon’s Best Sellers for Historical Christian Romance for most of this week and #1 on Amazon’s “Hot New Releases” for Historical Christian Romance since it came out on November 10^th, so that’s a good sign, and I have many of you to thank for that, so GOD BLESS YOU!!

Keep in mind that not only do you get Mitch and Charity’s novella, but three others by award-winning authors Mary Connealy, Myra Johnson, and Ruth Logan Herne, so trust me—at only $2.99—this is a deal you do not want to pass up! And, if you read it and like it, one brief review posted on Amazon will enter you in my newsletter contest to have a character named after you in my next book and a signed copy. You can post a review for all four novellas combined or just one, so DO let me know if you post one, okay?

To celebrate the release of A Whisper of Hope, here’s a “whisper” of an excerpt to hopefully whet your appetite for revisiting the O’Connors this Christmas, especially Charity, Mitch, Hope, and yes, even that rascal, Henry. Mitch and Charity’s novella was actually a subplot in the final book in the O’Connor saga, A Love Surrendered, culminating in the Christmas epilogue of that book. But my publisher asked me to cut it and several other subplots (one about Lizzie and Brady that hopefully you will eventually see in a novella) to shorten the book in order to cut costs. I was disappointed at the time, of course, but now I’m thrilled because I was able to flesh out that subplot to write what I hope is, for you, a lovely holiday story of healing and hope.

For those of you who would like to try to win the novella, be sure to check below the excerpt for current and upcoming giveaways, okay?

Happy Reading and Happy Weekend!

Hugs,

Julie

A Whisper of Hope

 by Julie Lessman

Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection

     “Ah, perfect timing,” Mitch said, grinning when Charity jerked around, hand splayed to her chest as if she’d just sprinted a mile.

     “Oh, sweet heavens, Mitch, you scared me half to death …”

     Chuckling, he pulled her into his arms, butting her to the wall with a heated look in his eyes. “Sorry, little girl, but I can always revive you with mouth to mouth if need be—just give me the word.” He bent to nestle his lips to her neck with a low, aching moan. “Blue blazes, Charity, do you have any idea how long it’s been since I really held you in my arms?” She caught her breath when his mouth took hers with a vengeance, and sweeping her up, he strode down the hall into their bedroom, kicking the door closed behind him.

     “Mitch, what are you doing?” Her voice was a raspy squeal beneath his wandering lips.

     “Putting you to bed,” he whispered, tone husky while he untied the sash to her robe. Side-stepping Runt, he carefully laid her down and buried his lips in the crook of her neck, the scent of lilac water warming his blood. “I swear, Mrs. Dennehy, I love you more with every breath I take …”

     “Wait!” Breathless, she halted him with two hands to his chest. “Did you remember to secure the latch? What if Hope or Henry were to come in?”

     A growl rumbled from his throat as he jumped up and strode to the door. He locked it and turned, searing her with intent as he jerked off his tie, almost ripping it in two. His eyes all but devoured her as he moved toward the bed, fingers fumbling with the buttons of his shirt—

     “Mitch—I didn’t lock the back door! Did you lock the back door?”

     He froze, white oxford shirt half off, revealing corded arms still sore from the gym. His facial muscles all but cramped with pain. “For the love of mercy, Charity, I’ll lock it later.”

     She sat up, sheet tugged high. “No, Mitch, please! I would worry, I just know it, and wouldn’t be able to relax. Please check the doors and hurry back.” She rubbed her jaw with a sheepish smile. “And do you mind shaving? Your beard feels like sandpaper.”

     He groaned and unlocked the door.

     She sat up higher. “Oh, and Hope wants you to kiss her good-night.”

     He turned, lips as tight as his hand on the knob. “I did—downstairs.”

     “I know, but she wants another.” She shrugged, her smile repentant before she stifled a yawn. “And I’m so tired, I think I may have forgotten Runt’s water—can you double-check?”

     With an unhappy grunt, he heaved the door wide, brandishing a finger. “Don’t you dare fall asleep, do you hear?” He stormed out, feet bare and shirt flapping.

     He checked doors and water bowl in record time, then ducked in to give both Henry and Hope a final kiss before reentering his bedroom. He paused, hand on the lock of the door. “Charity? Are you asleep?”

—

     She stifled a groan. Oh, that I were! “Mmmm-no,” she muttered in a groggy voice, desperate to succumb to the safety of sleep rather than the affections of her husband. She uttered a silent prayer that her mind would doze, body sluggish and consciousness slipping away, hopefully to secure Emma’s secret for yet another day. He disappeared into their bathroom and left the door ajar, a sliver of light slicing across their bed like a blade of guilt. Exhaling, she willed herself to sleep, her mind fading to the sounds of running water.

     The water stopped and Charity stiffened. She lay completely still, certain he’d hear the pounding of her pulse. Forcing her body to relax, she curled on her side, breathing even to mimic the rhythm of sleep. The bed shifted as Mitch crawled in and wrapped thick arms around the whole of her waist. He lifted her hair and kissed the back of her neck. “Charity,” he whispered, “are you awake?”

     “Mmm …” She scrunched up, feigning sleep while Bay Rum tormented her senses.

     “Oh!” Midway in a fake snore, the bedsprings squeaked when he flipped her on her back.

     He hovered with a dangerous smile. “You want something awfully bad to pretend you’re sleep when I know you want me as much as I want you.”

     She gulped, quickly covering with a yawn. “Actually, I’m just so tired, Mitch, I can hardly keep my eyes open.” She stroked his clean-shaven jaw “I’m sorry you went to the trouble of shaving, darling, but you do understand, don’t you?”

     “Absolutely,” he whispered, taking his time at the hollow of her throat, kissing the soft dip in her neck where her blood throbbed beneath his mouth. Raspy air shuddered from her lips when he finally lifted his head, his lidded gaze heating her even more. “I understand that the pulse at the base of your neck is racing faster than mine, Charity, and that in almost twelve years of marriage, you have never turned me away unless you had an ulterior motive. He bent to slowly sway his mouth against hers, coercing with a gentle tug of her lip in a manner calculated to drive her insane. “So I suggest you just spit it out, little girl,” he said, his breath blowing warm in her ear, “because I will coax it out of you one way or another.”

     “No, I really am tired, Mitch, I prom—”

     He silenced her with his mouth when he kissed her so deeply, she could hardly contain the moan that ached in her throat. “Where’d you go today?” he whispered, nuzzling her neck till she thought she would faint.

     “M-mother’s,” she said in a rush. “She’s been after Emma to bring Daniel to play.”

      “That’s it? Nowhere else?”

     She jerked him close with a groan, kissing him hard in an effort to derail his thoughts.

     He took over with a kiss that devoured her before he glanced up with a heated gaze that all but pinned her to the pillow. “Charity?”

     She battled a telltale gulp, unwilling to lie. “Uh … lunch, we had lunch at a darling new café Sean told Emma about …” Latching his neck, she jerked him back down to give him a bit of his own.

     Mitch groaned and finished it off with a kiss that tingled all the way to her toes. “Before or after St. Mary’s?” he rasped, voice huskier than usual when she strayed to nibble his throat.

     Her lips adhered to his skin as if pasted with glue. No! How could he possibly know? Lids shuttering closed, she emitted a sound dangerously close to a squeak. “W-what?”

     As soft as a baby’s kiss, he grazed each of her eyes with his mouth, gently stroking her temples with the pads of his thumbs. “You’ve been holding babies,” he said softly, the tenderness of his touch belying the sobriety of his tone, “at St. Mary’s, most likely, and I want to know why.”

     A soft gasp popped from her mouth, which now gaped wider than her eyes. “Oh my goodness, why w-would you s-say that?” she stuttered, fear of divulging Emma’s secret racing her pulse.

     Leaning in, he feathered her throat with soft, little kisses, nose buried in the curve of her neck. “Because I know your scent, Charity—and tonight it hints at baby powder.”

     She swallowed hard, no stopping the gulp now.

     He gently smoothed the hair from her face. “So, out with it, little girl,” he said, gaze probing hers, “why are you and Emma visiting St. Mary’s again?”

     “Because we like to hold the babies,” she hissed, yanking him back with a greedy arm to his neck.

     He pulled away, fingers tunneling into her hair to caress and contain her. “Not the right answer. Why, Charity?” he repeated, his jaw suddenly as tight as his hold.

     Her eyelids sank like her spirits. “I can’t say, Mitch, I promised.”

     “You better say,” he threatened, his mouth coercing with a nip of her ear before he turned his attention to the crook of her neck, “or neither of us will get any sleep tonight.”

     She stared, chest heaving and eyes glazed, well aware he had her just where he wanted … and now, regrettably, just where she wanted to be. Oh, Emma, I tried … “Because,” she said with a shuddering sigh, “Sean and Emma are adopting again, and they don’t want anyone to know until it’s for sure. So please, Mitch, you can’t say a word—not a hint to Father at work or any of the brothers-in-law.”

     He nuzzled her mouth, tender and slow, before cupping her head with his hands. “I won’t say anything, little girl,” he whispered. “I think it’s wonderful.”

     “You do?” Her voice nearly cracked.

     “Of course.” He pressed a soft kiss to her nose. “Adoption is always a good thing, giving kids a home and family who otherwise have none.”

     “Really?” Her voice carried way too much hope and she knew it.

     He kneaded the nape of her neck with magical fingers, reading her mind like the front page of the Herald. “For Sean and Emma, Charity,” he emphasized gently, “so get it out of your head.

 

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

MITCH & CHARITY CHRISTMAS NOVELLA ONLY $2.99! WHOO-HOO … I am very excited to announce that I am part of a Seeker Christmas novella anthology called Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection that not only features a story on Mitch and Charity, but novellas by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, and Myra Johnson.

In addition to this historical collection, The Seekers are also releasing a contemporary anthology called Hope for the Holidays Contemporary Collection as well, with stories by Audra Harders, Mary Connealy, Sandra Leesmith, Ruth Logan Herne, Tina Radcliffe Russo, and Missy Tippens, so be sure to check both out on Amazon at the following links:

HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS HISTORICAL COLLECTION

HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS CONTEMPORARY COLLECTION

Here’s the blurb for Mitch and Charity’s story, which is called A Whisper of Hope:

Christmas is the season of hope, which is exactly what Charity O’Connor Dennehy is counting on. Since the birth of her twins twelve years ago, she’s prayed and hoped for a houseful of babies to love, but it wasn’t meant to be. With a husband dead-set against adoption, there’s barely a whisper of hope to change his mind, but if hope doesn’t disappoint … could it be enough to find a precious bundle under her tree?

BLOG GIVEAWAYS:

 

NOW – NOVEMBER 19, 2014:

UNEXPECTED GIVEAWAY!!  One of my readers accidentally got two copies of Surprised by Love, so she’s giving one away with her review of the book (which is FABULOUS, by the way … uh, the review, not the book! 😉 So do check it out at the following link:

http://godbooksandchocolate.blogspot.com/2014/11/my-review-surprised-by-love-plus.html?m=1

 

NOW – NOVEMBER 14, 2014:

THREE UNEXPECTED GIVEAWAYS!!  One of my FAVORITE reviewer blogs, OWG, is giving away THREE copies of Surprised by Love with their reviews, so do check it out at the following link and you’ll have to scroll down to leave a comment on all three reviews in order to be entered in each, okay?

http://cfpagels.blogspot.com/

 

NOW – NOVEMBER 14, 2014:

Join me on Everyone’s Story blog where you can win your choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!

http://elainestock.blogspot.com/2014/11/julie-lessman-romance-pure-and-simple.html

 

NOVEMBER 14, 2014:

Join me on The Journey blog where you can win your choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!

 http://kristenatunstall.com/the-journey-with-julie-lessman-acfw 

 

NOVEMBER 17, 2014:

Get lost in a story with me on the “Get Lost in a Story” blog where you can win your choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!

http://getlostinastory.blogspot.com/

 

NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 8, 2014:

Join me on the Artist Librarian blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!

http://theartistlibrarian.blogspot.com/

 

DECEMBER 1-7, 2014:

Join me on the Carole Jarvis’ blog for an interview and giveaway of winner’s choice of any of my books, including my latest release, Surprised by Love!

http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com/

 

FREEBIES & SALES:

FREE Download of

A Passion Most Pure!

ACFW Debut Book of the Year & almost 300 5-star reviews can’t be wrong! See why some have read it 20 times!

 Click here:

AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, CHRISTIANBOOKSTORE.COM, iBOOKSTORE

 

CHRISTMAS IS COMING AND A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW IS FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!!  My Irish Christmas love story, A Light in the Window—winner of three awards—is ABSOLUTELY FREE on Kindle Unlimited, so do check it out. Here’s the video my hubby did for A Light in the Window with my daughter as the model for both the book and video, so take a peek to get you in the Christmas spirit. ALITW Video.