Thursday, August 21, 2008

Author Julie Lessman is my guest today!


I'm thrilled to have Julie Lessman, a dear friend and wonderful author at Cup of Faith today! Julie, Tina Novinski, Myra Johnson and I met in 2005 when we were Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart finalists. We've become good friends and called ourselves The Golden Girls. Now we hang out with our lively Seekers Sisters at http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/


Julie's first book in the Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Most Pure, released in January. If you didn't get to read this excellent book, comment on the Julie's post today to enter the drawing.

Julie has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. A Passion Redeemed releases in September, and the third in May 2009, A Passion Denied. You can visit Julie at her Web site at http://www.julielessman.com/.


Describe your typical day, Julie. Do you need a jolt of caffeine to get going? Or are you up and at ‘em kind of gal?

Are you kidding, Janet? Keith has to practically start an IV into my veins of hazelnut caffeine or I’m pretty much inoperable. Also, before I even open my eyelids, I have to pray for God to help me get out of bed – no joke!!

Do you have a page count you try to fulfill each day? Any tips on productivity you care to share?

Uh, page count? Define it, then I’ll tell you if I have it!! Actually, I am ashamed to say that up until a month ago, I hadn’t written one word on a novel since last September, other than revisions. Believe it or not, promotion has eaten up most of my time (that and working up part-time until last April) .Pretty sad, I know. But I am hoping to kick into gear here real soon on my next 3-book series. And I wrote book 2, A Passion Redeemed, which is almost 500 pages, in 2 months working part-time, so I know I can crank when I have to.

Your covers are phenomenal. How much input did you have with Revell?

Thanks so much, Janet. Trust me, two years of prayer with my prayer partners went into the cover for A Passion Most Pure, so I honestly feel it is anointed. As far as input, I have been blessed to have a lot of input into my covers (now, my publisher, Revell? Uh, not so blessed!). For A Passion Most Pure, the heroine’s hair was originally down, which looked like a prairie romance, so I explained that it needed to be up since this was 1916 Boston, and my artist graciously complied. I also asked her to make the hair more red and the eyes more green, which she also did.

But the most important change was with the hero’s picture. The cover art originally had this namby-pamby picture of Collin and I almost started crying. I asked her if she had any other shots, and she said only one, but that everybody at Revell thought he looked too angry in that shot. I asked her to send it to me anyway, and WOW, it was exactly the look I was going for. Collin IS angry because he wants the heroine, but he can’t have her, so the smoldering look conveyed the romantic tension in the book.

On book 2, the hero’s hair was slicked down and a bit too long, making him look like a pompous English dandy, so I begged my artist husband (God bless him, he lives with a high-maintenance maniac) to lengthen the model’s chin, trim his sideburns and give him unruly blond hair. We even spent 30 minutes scanning the Internet for the perfect hairstyle (a celebrity who shall remain nameless), which Keith slapped onto the hero’s head. Ahhh … MUCH BETTER!! Oh, and since the heroine is supposed to be well endowed, I actually had the nerve to ask the artist to “endow” her a bit more, which they did!

What’s been the biggest change in your life since publication? Does your husband treat you like the CEO you are?

The biggest change is that I have more peace about my writing. Before I was published, I honestly had NO idea if I was any good or not. But now, I feel a little more secure with three books under my belt. That is, until I started writing the synopses for the next 3-book series! YIKES, the doubts are back, which is okay because it just means I have to trust in God that much more. And believe me, I do! J And, no, my husband treats me exactly the same as before … except for that tiny glimmer of pride in his eyes.

What is the hardest aspect of being a writer? The easiest?

Easiest: Writing dramatic, breathless and compelling love scenes. Sigh.
Hardest: Trying to get published. Yuck!

How do you keep from being overwhelmed with writing, promotion, family responsibility, and still have time to smell the proverbial roses?

Honestly? For me, it’s pretty hard. I am such a wired individual, that I can go tilt pretty easily. That’s when I RUN … not walk … to the throne of God for true perspective. One of my favorite scripture prayers is from 2 Corinthians ll:3: Lord, do not let me be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”

You grew up in a large family. What’s the best and worst thing about having 12 siblings?

Yes, a family of ten girls and three boys, so you can only imagine the PMS churnings going on in that household … especially with a menopausal mom!! For me, the worst thing about having so many siblings was feeling as if I never got enough attention or love … uh, that and the fact that I never got my own room. Six of us girls slept in one long room that had twin beds lined up like a dorm. Which explains why I felt like I died and went to heaven when I stayed in a convent at the age of 15 with my aunt who was a nun. I slept in an 8’ x 10’ room the size of a closet, but it was all mine for two wonderful weeks – sheer bliss!

The best thing about a large family is the closeness you share as you get older and FINALLY realize that family is a true gift from God.

Can you share a favorite memory from your childhood?

Well, as you may know, I actually penned 150 pages of what is today my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure, after reading Gone With the Wind at the age of 12. That said, my favorite memory is of my little sister, Kate, lying on her bed, chin in hand and eyes wide as I read my “novel” to her night after night. As the last two of thirteen children, we shared a room, and that golden-haired nine-year-old provided me with the love and encouragement that I didn’t always receive from my family. Her love has been like God’s love to me—unconditional and boundless, and a true blessing in my life.

What’s your favorite way to spend leisure time?

Watching old movies with my husband, dinners out with good friends and reading, of course!

What’s your favorite food? Color? Car? Your dream vacation?

Favorite food? Turkey and dressing and Spanish rice. Favorite color? Blue. Favorite car? Sebring convertible. And favorite vacation? On a beach, with a book and a breeze … and my husband.

You’re a beautiful witness for God. Can you give suggestions for those who find sharing their faith more difficult?

Thanks, Janet, but you don’t live with me day in and day out, so “beautiful” might be a real stretch … As far as sharing one’s faith, there are as many ways to do that as there are people to receive it. God uses each of us in differently, according to our personalities – the bold ones to shout His message from the rooftops, and the quiet ones to reflect Christ in the gentleness of their lives.

As a person who is definitely one of the “Bolds,” I’ve discovered the secret of praying on the spot. Prayer is absolutely critical to me – I couldn’t survive without it – so whenever I am talking to someone who expresses a problem in their lives, I pray with them immediately, no matter the time or place. I try to do it in a conversational way, eyes open and expression normal, so as not to embarrass them. Most people tell you they will pray for you, but I’d rather get the need into God’s capable hands sooner rather than later or not at all. Of the thousands upon thousands of people I have prayed for on the spot, not one has ever objected and all have been grateful. So I would suggest stepping out in faith and trying that – most people would be surprised at how quickly it becomes a habit.

Your book was rejected a lot. Do you see God at work in the timing of your sale?

Yes, A Passion Most Pure was rejected a total of 45 times (including three late rejections that came in after I already sold!), but God’s timing is perfect. As I mentioned earlier, I started writing this novel at the age of 12, but it wasn’t until 40 years later that God breathed new life into that early attempt and inspired me to finish my childhood novel of passion—only this time the “passion” would be for Him!


In 2001, I was sitting in a beauty shop reading a Newsweek cover article about how Christian books, movies and music were on the threshold of exploding. Something in my spirit said, “Now is the time to finish your book,” so I started it the next month. It took five years to get published, but I have to say that the “timing” was indeed perfect! When I was writing APMP, historicals were reported to be “dead in the water,” but they’ve taken a definite upswing in the last year, right before A Passion Most Pure was released. Also, APMP is what I would call an “edgy” Inspirational Romance, meaning it’s a bit more overt and realistic in its romantic tension (of which there is plenty!), a trend that up until a few years ago, was pretty much taboo in the Christian market. So, yes, to answer your question—despite all the painful rejections, I now definitely see God at work in the timing of my sale.

Thanks SO MUCH, Janet, for allowing me this time to connect with you and your readership. In closing, I LOVE to hear from readers, so they can contact me through my Web site at www.julielessman.com, either by sending an e-mail via my site or by signing up for my newsletter.

Currently in my newsletter, I am having a contest to win a signed author copy of Book 2, A Passion Redeemed, before it even hits the stores! Also, I invite your readers to visit The Seekers, a group blog of which both you and I are a part and a great blog that talks about “The road to publication. Writing, contests, publication and everything in between.” You can find it at
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/.

Thanks again, Janet, and God bless!


It was great having you at Cup of Faith, Julie!

Remember readers to leave a comment to have a chance to win a copy of A Passion Most Pure. You definitely want to read this book before you pick up A Passion Redeemed.

Janet

45 comments:

Missy Tippens said...

What a fun interview! Julie, I learn something new about you in every interview. Thanks for being so open!

Missy

Jessica Nelson said...

I want to win it! I've been so lazy because I have a huge list of books I need to get ordered on the internet but I haven't done it.
Anyways, what a great interview, Julie. And Janet, for good questions.
I hate getting out of bed in the morning. My four year old always comes and wakes me up, then he grabs my arm and tries to drag me out. Ugh. . .
What I love about your books (even though I haven't read them) is that there's REAL passion in them. It has seemed to me in the past that the CBA has tried to make all the heroes "boy-next-door". But I like that "smoldering" kind of guy. That's why I really want to read about Collin, lol.
So I'm glad your books got published and can't wait to see what kind of heroes you come up with next!!!!

Julie Lessman said...

Thanks, Missy, for dropping by! Sometimes my husband feels I need a liplock because of my tendancy to be so "open," but I do try to keep it under control ... :)

Jessica, I hate getting out of bed in the morning too, so I totally relate (except for the little guy ... those days are well beyond me now!). Sure hope you get to read A Passion Most Pure soon, though, 'cause you HAVE to read it before you can read book 2 so as not to ruin several critical surprises!! :)

Hugs,
Julie

Mary Connealy said...

Julie said: Believe it or not, promotion has eaten up most of my time.

Mary replies, I don't believe it. You're a slacker, Jules. I know 'the muse'. Whatever.

Still, you're a pretty good writer, I'll give you that, so, just like giving Michael Phelps advice about whether he shouuld be eating so many high fat carbs, I guess I won't argue with success. Whatever you're doing, keep it up.

Myra Johnson said...

Lovely interview--of course, by two of my very favorite ladies! Love learning more about your life and writing process, Julie!

Mary Connealy said...

Great interview ladies.

I have been with Julie when she says, "Let's pray about that right now."

It's just such a perfect way to react to life, take it to God. I love it.

And I feel the same way about my rejections you do, Julie. My historical caught on at almost the same time yours did.
I have a line in Petticoat Ranch that says, "Parson Roscoe moved to Mosqueros as an answer to a prayer Sophie wouldn't begin praying for five years."

That's how I feel about my books. They didn't fit anywhere when I started them. I didn't know that there was Christian fiction beyond Janette Oke and Grace Livingston Hill.
And I loved them, but that wasn't what I was writing.
I was writing clean straight romance, not Christian, but I was absolutely unwilling to put unmarried characters having sex in and profanity. --Had no problem with violence, I wonder what scripture says THAT'S okay? :)
There was no faith thread in my books but my characters were living by Christian values.

I feel like I was writing for a genre of books that hadn't been invented yet.

Julie Lessman said...

Thanks so much Myra and Mary for taking the time to comment!! Seeker babes are the best!!

And, Mare, I absolutely LOVE that line about Parson Roscoe in Petticoat Ranch -- incredible!! But then, both of your books are too, my friend!

Hugs,
Julie

Janet Dean said...

Thanks, Jessica! Glad to have you here. Julie's books will be a perfect fit for you!

Janet

Janet Dean said...

Myra, I feel the same! What would I do without you and all my Seeker buds?

Janet

Janet Dean said...

"Parson Roscoe moved to Mosqueros as an answer to a prayer Sophie wouldn't begin praying for five years."


Mary, I loved that line in Petticoat Ranch! And its meaning--God is meeting our needs before we have them. Awesome God. Awesome writing.

Janet

Doreen said...

Yes, please sign me up for a copy of this book! :) I have A Passion Most Pure! :)purposedrivenlife4you(at)gmail(dot)com

Anita Mae Draper said...

So, here you all are! I tried several times earlier using the link on the seeker site but although I was sent to your blog Janet, there was nowhere for me to comment...only somewhere to send a comment to a friend. (???)

I really enjoyed the interview.

I won a copy of 'A Passion Most Pure' a few months ago on Lena Nelson Dooley's blog. :-)

How did I finally get here: I went to my bookmark for Julie's 'Calendar' page where it says we can be entered to win a copy of A Passion Redeemed if we comment here.

So yes, I really glad I'm finally here.

And please enter me if it's not too late.

Keli Gwyn said...

Great interview, ladies. Janet, I loved your questions, and, Julie, I loved your answers.

As an as-yet unpublished writer of historical inspirational romances, I especially liked hearing about God's timing in making your first sale, Julie. He had to get everything in place, and I'm glad He showed you why the wait was necessary.

Since I aspire to publish my stories, I have to thank you two, and Mary, for blazing the trail. You've shown the publishers that women want what we write. I'm grateful to you for that, believe me. =)

Janet Dean said...

Anita Mae, I'm glad you had the preservance and finally made it! I don't know what happened. I clicked on the link at Seekerville and I saw where to post comments.

Julie will be here for two days so you're not to late for the drawing.

Janet

Anita Mae Draper said...

Okay, so I saw where Mary left a comment for me over on Seekerville.

And when I click the link, I'm taken to your blog post with all the comments instead of the 'Leave Your Comment' box like normal.

Then you go to the bottom under the final time and there's just 3 small words that say, 'Post your comment'. Then when you click it, you come to here, the normal place to leave a comment.

I wonder - is this is a new format?

Janet Dean said...

Anita Mae, for some reason this is how my blog posts comments. Maybe it's because I have to approve comments before they're posted. Which is not how we do things at Seekerville. Sorry it's been a pain.

Janet

Anita Mae Draper said...

Janet - you're right...I never thought about how it works with you having to approve first. It makes sense now.

And no - not a pain - a learning experience. :-)

I'm actually glad I figured this out now so I can be ready if I ever have to post in a hurry.

Thank you.

Janet Dean said...

Love your positive attitude, Anita Mae!

Julie Lessman said...

Hey Doreen -- So glad you've read A Passion Most Pure already. So you think you're ready for Charity in book 2???? Because trust me, she's a real handful! :)

Anita Mae, your signed copy of A Passion Most Pure is ready and waiting for you at your U.S. postal address, so enjoy the read on your way to ACFW, girl! And thanks for your comment AND for putting my calendar page on bookmark -- awesome!! :)

Keli -- Mary and I (and the rest of the pubbed Seekers Janet, Camy, Missy, Cheryl, Debbi and Sandra) will keep blazing those trails until you and the other Seekers join us, so hurry on up, will ya??? :)

Hugs,
Julie

Sandra Leesmith said...

Janet, how fun to have Julie interviewed on your blog. I didn't realize you had a blog. It was great finding out more about Julie and her dreams since age 12. Julie I find it hard to believe that you're high maintenance. You seem so at peace whenever I've seen you. smile

Thanks for the inspiration. I love
your writing so loved hearing more about how it came about.

Sandra Leesmith said...

Janet, how fun to have Julie interviewed on your blog. I didn't realize you had a blog. It was great finding out more about Julie and her dreams since age 12. Julie I find it hard to believe that you're high maintenance. You seem so at peace whenever I've seen you. smile

Thanks for the inspiration. I love
your writing so loved hearing more about how it came about.

Ausjenny said...

im A bit late getting here. I just started A passion redeemed. I love the prologue. It hooked me. im on chapter one bit plan to read tonight as the olmpics gave way to the lousy football but I can at least read a bit of the book.
Thanks for the interview I do enjoy these.

Julie Lessman said...

Thanks so much, Sandra, you are SUCH a sweetheart -- even IF I have snowed you into thinking I'm this peaceful, little thing instead of the wired crazy I actually am!! :)

Hey, Jenny, so glad you are digging into A Passion Redeemed -- yeah, I love the prologue too, and can you believe I added it much later, AFTER I already wrote the book? I actually am not too fond of prologues, but I always regretted ending A Passion Most Pure without Collin connecting with the family ONE last time, so I got the idea to add the prologue for book 2 to satisfy my need for that connection. Good move, I hope. :)

Hugs,
Julie

Betty Woods said...

Julie,
Thanks for such encouraging comments. My historical hasn't been rejected 45 times yet, so there's hope. It's a little edgy, too, but not because of passion.
Anyway, I appreciate people like you and Janet who are so willing to blaze trails and share with everyone. Most important you're shining your light in the darkness.

Nannette said...

Thanks so much for this interview. I love that you pray immediately - I just last week heard a speaker encourage that and have tried to do it more this week. So often in the past I would say "I'll pray for you" then get busy and forget. I hope I win your book, it sounds wonderful!
Nannette

Julie Lessman said...

Betty, thank you so much for your sweet comment and boy, your ms. is a little edgy, is it? :) Can't wait to see it published, because as some people know ... I'm a little partial to "edgy"!! :)

Nannette, thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. DO IT!!! Pray on the spot -- you will never regret it and see LOTS of answered prayer (and changed lives) when you do.

Hugs,
Julie

Janet Dean said...

Anita Mae, You'll find the signed copy you won of Courting Miss Adelaide waiting alongside Julie's book. :-)

Janet

Janet Dean said...

Betty, thanks for your lovely comments. They've truly blessed me. Keep writing and don't give up. God does open doors.

Janet

Tammy Doherty said...

Hi Julie & Janet! Great blog. I love APMP and am looking forward to A Passion Redeemed. If this weren't a Christian blog (and book) I'd call Charity by what she really is ;D I can't wait to see how you redeem her, Julie. Yes, please, enter me in the drawing.

After reading APMP, I had intended to pass on the book to my mom. Instead, I put it into a care package going over to Iraq. I hope it "gets around" over there and brings new readers to the world of Christian fiction. Or at least new fans for Julie!

Blessings,
Tammy

Unknown said...

Hello to all my author friends and especially Janet and Julie. Thanks for sharing this interview.

I've got both booka already so don't enter me in the drawing. A Passion Redeemed is next on the TBR pile and APMP is on loan to a reader buddy who I insisted had to check it out. Can't wait to finish the book I'm on so I can crack open A Passion Redeemed. Going by APMP I suspect if I get to the book this weekend I'll have read it by Monday.

Melissa

Anita Mae Draper said...

Julie - I awoke this morning and kept thinking - 45 rejections - Yowza! I gotta read this book! Then I remembered it's waiting for me and it made my day.

I just went back to see why you'd said it was rejected: APMP is what I would call an “edgy” Inspirational Romance, meaning it’s a bit more overt and realistic in its romantic tension (of which there is plenty!), a trend that up until a few years ago, was pretty much taboo in the Christian market.

This just thrills me. My CP did a guest blog post on Rachelle Gardner's blog about passion in Christian novels just a few weeks ago. (I helped a bit with it.) :-)

I just got so tired of reading romance books where the Christian protags are acquaintances without emotions and then in the last chapter, they kiss once and decide to get married. How realistic is that?

Like I said before, I wanted to read APMP when I first heard about it and I'm so glad there's a copy of it waiting for me.

Janet - that goes for Courting Miss Adelaide, too.

Now, if I'm late getting to the conf, I'm prob in some coffee shop reading...

Janet Dean said...

Anita Mae, if you don't show up at the conference, Jule and I will come looking for you. And buy you a cup of coffee. :-)

Janet

Julie Lessman said...

Tammy, girlfriend!!! Thank you sooo much for shipping my book to Iraq -- I am praying RIGHT NOW that it turns more than one soldier's heart toward Jesus!!!

MELISSA!!!!! Keep passing that book out, my friend, because word of mouth is where it's at in this business, as we all know!! And thank you SO much for your invaluable support. Can't wait to hear what you think of Redeemed!!

ANITA MAE SAID: I just got so tired of reading romance books where the Christian protags are acquaintances without emotions and then in the last chapter, they kiss once and decide to get married. How realistic is that?

AMEN, PREACH IT, SISTER!! I am right there with you, Anita Mae, which is exactly why I wrote my own book -- so I could read something that had more than one kiss at the end while seven people look on!!! :) And thanks for your comment -- I'm anxious to see what you think of A Passion Most Pure 'cause there's DEFINITELY more than one kiss in this book ... on the last page, and the first, and page 50, and page 71 and 72 and 105 and ... well, you get the picture! ;)

Hugs,
Julie

Tammy Doherty said...

Julie wrote: there's DEFINITELY more than one kiss in this book ... on the last page, and the first, and page 50, and page 71 and 72 and 105 and ... well, you get the picture! ;)

LOL - Julie & Anita, I agree so much about that unrealistic, flat romance seen too often in Christian romance. And I actually used APMP as a reference for helping me write a passion/kissing scene in my WIP! I didnt' plagerize, of course, just reread a few of Julie's scene to get inspired.

Julie Lessman said...

LOL, well I'm pretty sure I'm going to like your book, then, Tam!!! :) What an awesome compliment, my friend! Thank you SO much for making me smile and taking the time to comment.

Hugs,
Julie

haras w said...

i would love to win a copy of this book. i really enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading the second one. please enter my name in the draw.
thanks,
sarahwoll at hotmail dot com

Pamela J said...

I had gotten off coffee over two years ago but had ONE cup and discovered at the end of the day I didn't feel I needed a nap. That was a month ago and I'm still having coffee. Don't have time to nap right now so I understand your feeling of inoperable, Julie, without it. I do get out of bed without trouble, though tired.
Most of my spare time is spent watching movies with my husband if not having my nose in a book. I feel like time is a-wasting if I have time away from home without a book to read.
Prayer: The preacher we have now was the first person I met (just six years ago) who depended so heavily on prayer. I'm so thankful for that example and discovered what a blessing it is to reach out as a pray-er instead of just telling people I will and go on. The flip side of praying is watching for God IN ACTION every moment of every day. You might hear me say "Thank you, God" more than any other phrase any day.
I thought I was DESPERATE to win this book. I even counted up the comments that didn't include Julie or Janet and if counting right, there are thirteen. That makes it a better chance than thirty-three! But, I HAVE to say that, as Julie mentioned about her book being published: God's timing is perfect. That goes with winning the book as well.
Please enter me. Thanks SO MUCH!
Pam Williams
cepjwms at yahoo dot com

Ausjenny said...

Julie so glad you did add the Prologue it made me want to get right into it and I will never think of irons the same way again! I have been so tired at nights lately and so much to do before going to Canada that I dont have alot of time to read but I am on chapter 3 now. (you have big chapters) I aim for around 50 pages a day and more if possible.

Julie Lessman said...

Thanks, Sarah, for dropping by and good luck!

Pamela J, your persistence is a true gift, but God's timing is the best gift for sure! Grin, and yeah, thank God the odds are NOT 33 to one, thanks to Janet and I having the gift of gab ... :)

Grin. Jenny -- I'm so glad I added the prologue too! My husband (who HATES Charity!) said the prologue pulled him right back in to the warmth and the joy of the O'Connors, which he needed because he sure didn't want to read about that "cold-hearted" woman first. And WOW, chapter 3???? I am impressed considering all you have to do (and how tired you are ... to which I TOTALLY relate!!). Happy reading, Jenny!

Anita Mae Draper said...

Julie - I haven't even met you and you're rubbing off on me already. LOL

I was in a store in the mall today and was served by a pregnant young woman. We got to talking about babies and how I never carried any of my 4 children into the 9th month, nutrition, etc.

When it was time to go, I started to say, 'I'll pray for you.' like I usually do - but you came to mind.

And instead, I asked if I could pray for her right there. She gave me this 'OMG' look and squealed, 'Are you a Christian?' I said, 'Yes, are you?' and she said, 'Maybe, not sure yet.'

But she said she'd like for me to pray for her so right there, over the counter, I put my hand on her arm and prayed for her, her baby, and the birth. Just a couple short lines.

When I was done, she was beaming.

So, thank you for lighting the way.

Janet Dean said...

Anita Mae, you had divine appointment! Your story gave me chills. I'll tell Julie so she can pop over and read this.

Janet

Julie Lessman said...

WHOA, Anita Mae, you just made me cry ... which, admittedly, is not hard to do, but WOW, thank you for sharing that with me!! I am so blessed to hear that you did that, and not only will that woman be glad too when God answers your prayer (because He will -- He's very partial to prayers of obedience!), but you will be too, when He blesses the socks off of you (which He will because "God honors those who honor Him"). You go, girl!

Hugs,
Julie

Ausjenny said...

Anita Mae I agree with Janet thats so cool
If Julie makes it I finished the book and its really good. Infact I liked it even better than number one.

Julie Lessman said...

Anita Mae, I left a comment for you before, but it didn't take, so hopefully this one will make it!!
OMIGOSH, I am soooooo proud of you, girl!!! Not only is that woman going to blessed with the results of that prayer, but YOU, my friend are going to be blessed too! You go, girl!!!

Ausjenny, I am SO glad you liked book 2 better than 1 because 2 is also my favorite of the 3 in the series. It's nice to have company since sooooo many people can't abide Charity!! Thank you!!

Hugs,
Julie

Pamela J said...

Janet, you can remove my name from the drawing list. I'm so excited I almost feel tears on the horizon to think Julie has the address where I am right now at my sister's and I'm going to get to sit and read it VERY soon. Thanks for your work here and for all you do and thank you, Julie, for your book!
Pam W