Friday, January 24, 2014

DARE TO LOVE AGAIN - Julie Lessman - One Free Book

Readers, I've loved Julie since I first met her at an American Christian Fiction Writers national conference several years ago. And I've loved her writing since I read the first word of the first book in her Daughters of Boston series. She writes books with the kind of passion I'd like to include in mine, but my publishers always delete the best parts. I feel the same way as she does about romantic passion and a passion for God. (You'll read about that in the answers to her questions.

Dare to Love Again is another winner. I've loved all the character in her books, but I think I love the ones in the Heart of San Francisco the best. Her storylines catch my attention, and her characters pull me straight into the story and don't let go until long after I read the last page. This was true in Dare to Love Again. And she paints a tapestry of setting that is true to San Francisco in that time period. You won't want to miss this marvelous read.

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

Welcome back, Julie. Why did you become an author?
Well, Lena, frankly I got SO sick of the world pushing its amoral agenda in romance novels that I decided to try and write my own where I could push God's agenda instead. My thinking was to promote His precepts with the lure of the same kind of passionate romance that I fell in love with at the age of twelve, when I read Gone With the Wind, which, by the way, is when I started writing A Passion Most Pure. Back then I wrote 150 single-spaced pages of what is today my debut novel, but I didn't finish it till after I turned 50. But … better late than never, eh?

I will admit my books are a tad more passionate than the majority of Inspirational romance in the Christian market today, both romantically and spiritually. And I did this on purpose. You see, I’m the type of woman who loves a great love story. You know—the heart-fluttering, pulse-pounding emotional tug-of-war between a man and a woman that makes romance the #1 genre in the world? It draws me, always has, from the early days of Gone With the Wind. But for me, passion in romance is not enough. Without God and His precepts in the middle, it’s nothing but lust—heat that burns but doesn’t keep you warm. So when I started writing my own novels over 13 years ago, it was primarily because I didn’t want to read secular romance anymore. Unfortunately way back then, I had trouble finding the level of passion I wanted in a Christian romance novel, so I decided to write my own. My intent was to write romantic passion that is more real and relevant to what young girls are exposed to in today’s amoral society, but laced with a spiritual thread that is just as passionate.

Let’s face it—passion is powerful. It can drive a woman into the arms of a man, or a person into the arms of God. In truth, romantic passion gives us a glimpse into the very heart of God. After studying the “Song of Solomon” in the Bible , I’m convinced that the God who created passion and intimacy did so to mirror the intensity of His own love for mankind. It is my belief that romance laced with God’s precepts is also powerful—it can draw, woo, and win advocates to its cause with the stroke of a keyboard. It is my hope that my novels will strikes the balance between romantic and spiritual passion for the broad base of readers searching for its message, and by interweaving the two, bring them into an intimate relationship with the true Author of Romance.

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?
Oh, gosh, I have no idea! At one time I would have said Christian counselor because I’m a bottom-line kind of person who likes applying God’s Word to people’s problems, then shoring it up with prayer. But since I’ve gotten up in years a wee bit, I don’t seem to have the energy for an occupation like that anymore.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?
Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ ministry because I would LOVE to follow Him around like so many crowds did back then. Then, of course, I would go to Golgotha in a heartbeat on the day that He died. Because if His death has radically changed my life for the better through mere faith, I can’t even imagine the impact of seeing Him carry that cross for me in person.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?
Oh, are you kidding? Boston, of course! I know, I know—as an author of two series set in Boston, it’s downright shameful I haven’t been there yet, but I can blame my hubby for that because he refuses to go. Apparently he had a bad business trip there once, and it’s scarred him for life. But, oh … Boston has been a love of mine since I was a little girl watching Walt Disney’s Swamp Fox, which chronicled the Revolutionary War, of which Boston was a huge part. I LOVE the history of that city, especially after researching it while writing the Daughters of Boston series and you know what? I have craved Boston Baked Beans candy and Boston cream pie ever since!

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?
HA! That’s a no-brainer too. Ireland, of course! ;)

I knew that would be your answer to that question. Readers, if you want to know why, read Julie’s Daughter of Boston series. Now Julie, what lesson has the Lord taught you recently?
“Do not fear your weakness,
for it is the stage on which My Power and My Glory
perform most brilliantly.”
-- Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, Dec. 21 Entry

The most recent lesson is from the Scripture above, when God showed me that Jesus' Power and Glory—in the flesh, through the birth of a human infant born in a bed of straw—is the very thing that can and will eradicate all of my fears and yours. Oh, the joy of knowing that my imperfections—and God knows they are many—are obliterated by a God Who loves me—and you—just the way we are!! Talk about “joy to the world”! Because in our weakness He is strong.

So, like the disciple Paul, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” And, oh baby, if my weakness equates to God's strength, than I'm bending bars of steel like pretzels ... and bopping them over the devil’s head. :)

I have used Jesus Calling for my devotional several times. And I often give it to someone else as a gift. Tell us about the featured book.
Well, book 2 in the Heart of San Francisco series, DARE TO LOVE AGAIN, released January 1st and tells the story of the second McClare cousin, Allison McClare, a woman who has had her heart broken three times and is determined it will not happen again. She’s seeing red and wielding a stick, a dangerous combination when she meets a crotchety Italian police detective whose temper is as loose as hers. Here’s the jacket blurb for this sweet and funny love story that I will warn you, is the sweetest, least passionate of all my books, which means there are very few kisses, but LOTS of romantic tension! ;)

She’s a sassy socialite burned by love.
He’s a jaded cop burned by the upper class.
When sparks fly … will love catch fire again?

Spunky Allison McClare is determined to be a fearless, independent woman. But when she takes a notion to explore the wild Barbary Coast, she quickly discovers she’s no match for the unsavory characters that haunt the dark streets.

Detective Nick Barone would rather do almost anything than teach this petite socialite self-defense, but it seems he has little choice. Sparks fly every time the two meet until a grudging friendship develops into something deeper. But is he just a fraud like all the rest of the men Allison’s cared for? Or the one man she can dare to love again?

As you know, I read the book as soon as it arrived. Please give us the first page of the book for my blog readers.
Here’s the first page from my galleys, which runs a wee bit longer than the actual printed page:

San Francisco, Summer 1903
          Merciful Providence . . . I smell a rat! Allison McClare sniffed with nose in the air, the unmistakable scent of Bay Rum drifting into her empty classroom of the Hand of Hope School. Although not uncommon for an antiquated Victorian house a stone’s throw from the sewers of the Barbary Coast, this smell of “rat” was altogether different and far more frightening. She wrinkled her nose.

The man kind.

“I think you took a wrong turn, lady, high tea is at The Palace.”

“Oh!” Body jolting, she whirled around at the bulletin board, almost inhaling the straight pin in her teeth. She blinked at a tall, disgruntled stranger cocked in the door of her classroom who might have been dangerously attractive if not for the scowl on his face. An unruly strand of dark hair, almost black—like his mood appeared to be—toppled over his forehead beneath a dark Homburg he obviously felt no courtesy to remove. He hiked a thumb toward the front door, his gruff voice a near snarl as he glared through gray-green eyes that seemed to darken by the moment, the color of stormy seas. “I assume that’s your fancy car and driver out front? Well, it needs to move to the back alley, lady, whether you’re here to teach or just out slumming with the poor folks.”

The straight pin in her teeth dropped to the floor along with her jaw. As she gaped, hardly able to comprehend the rudeness of this Neanderthal who’d be better attired in bearskin and club than the charcoal suit coat draped over his shoulder. Rolled sleeves of what might have been a crisp white shirt at one time revealed muscled forearms thick with dark hair like the brainless caveman he appeared to be. It was only two in the afternoon, but already dark bristle shadowed his hard-angled jaw, lending an ominous air to a man who possessed less charm than found on the head of her pin. Her nose scrunched, the smell of “rat” surprisingly strong due to a keen sense of smell and three near misses at the altar. She fought the squirm of a smile over his high starched collar with its off-center tie—loosened as if in protest to fashionable attire he considered a noose ’round his neck.

Like the one I’m envisioning now . . .

He squinted as if she were the intruder instead of him, daring to invade his cave. “What, cat got your tongue?”

Yes, you pinhead . . . a polecat. She glared right back in silence, figuring if she waited long enough, his face would crack . . . something she’d pay good money to see. She almost wished she’d gone home with Mother and Cassie earlier instead of staying later on a Friday the week before they opened their new school. Her gaze flicked to the clock on the wall that indicated her elderly driver Hadley was on time to take her home. And not a moment too soon, if this barbarian was any indication of the rest of her day.

Her silence apparently ruffled his fur because his eyes narrowed, if possible, even more than before as he blasted out a noisy exhale, shaking his head as if she were the one with a pea for a brain. “Great—a rich dame as dumb as she is lost,” he muttered, and every word his insolence had stolen from her lips marched to the tip of her tongue to do battle.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Oh, Lena, thanks for asking because I LOVE to hear from reader friends, so if they like, they can contact me through my website at http://www.julielessman.com, either by sending an e-mail via my site or by signing up for my newsletter at:

Also, I have a cool blog feature on my website called “Journal Jots” at http://www.julielessman.com/journal-jots1/, which is a very laid-back Friday journal to my reader friends that will give your readers an idea as to my relaxed style of writing.

Or readers can check out my favorite romantic and spiritual scenes from each of my books on the “Excerpts” tab of my website at http://www.julielessman.com/excerpts/.

Finally, I can be found daily at The Seekers blog at http://seekerville.blogspot.com/, a group blog of 13 published authors that inspires, encourages, teaches, and informs aspiring writers on the road to publication and beyond.

Hugs,
Julie

I'm so thrilled to have you on my blog again, Julie.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Dare to Love Again - Christianbook.com
Dare to Love Again: A Novel (The Heart of San Francisco) - Amazon
Dare to Love Again (The Heart of San Francisco Book #2): A Novel - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

94 comments:

Amy M. said...

I'm from Tennessee and have read "Dare To Love Again" and really liked it. Julie Lessman is a fantastic writer and I've read all of her books. She maybe more passionate than most Christian authors, but that's what I la-la-LOVE about her. In today's society where sensuality is everywhere, she keeps her books and stories within the context of how God created it to be. It is so refreshing to read a romance book without graphic sexual detail and with a Christian message. I must admit as much as I enjoyed Allison and Nick's story I'm totally invested in Cait & Logan's ongoing romance and cannot wait to see if they finally get their happily ever after.

Julie Lessman said...

AMY!! Thank you SO much for reading my books and for your sweet comment!!

LOL ... yeah, I know what you mean about Cait and Logan -- their story is the one that I love too, and, in fact, my hubby worries that my editor will think their story in book 3 overshadows Meg's and Bram's because it IS tense and wonderful at the same time.

Thank you for your support, Amy, for my "passion with a purpose" style of writing, and I don't know if you post reviews or not, but if you do, I wanted to let you know about a newsletter contest I have going on now through 3/31/14 where posting even one short review for any of my books will enter you to win a character named after you in my next book, a signed copy, and if you are the top poster, a $50 gift card. So if you're interested, just sign up for my newsletter (I send out two a year) at http://www.julielessman.com/sign-up-for-newsletter/, and I will send you the info, okay? But if reviews are not your thing, NO WORRIES, okay? I'm just grateful you read my books in the first place!! :)

Hugs!!
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

LENA!!

Girl, your intro blessed the socks off me, my friend, because coming from a respected peer whose books I love is SUCH a blessing!! Thank you so much for inviting me on your blog, which, I might mention to anybody reading this, was up for Blog of the Year over at The Book Club Network, so WHOO-HOO, Lena -- I voted for you, I can tell you that!!

Hugs,
Julie

Peggy O'Keefe said...

Julie!!!
I love reading anything you write. And you give me great hope saying you were in your 50's when you wrote your first book. That's exactly where I am now. I love your books, can't wait for the next one. You are a great inspiration.
Peg

Cyndi said...

What a great interview... but I would expect nothing less with Julie! :) LOVE all her books... and am eagerly anticipating DTLA!

Cyndi in AL

Amy C said...

Lovely to see Julie as usual. :)
Amy C
VA

Unknown said...

I enjoyed reading your interview! I also cannot wait to read this book! Please enter me in the giveaway!

Shannah M. (NC)

bonton said...

Hi, Julie and Lena!

Julie, your wonderful interview has pointed out several other similarities in our passionate personalities (LOL)! When I enrolled in community college in my early 50's (and took night classes for several years while working during the day)- I enrolled in the classes I was most interested in, such as psychology - rather than core subjects. I've always loved working with people, and trying to figure out "what makes them tick", so to speak - and since I've given God control of my life, the desire to use my flawed experiences to help draw others to God, for absolution of their problems. Working in women/children shelters, and children's homes have given me some of those opportunities. One of the many reasons I love your books is due to your use of flawed characters forgiven and redeemed by God.

The truth of your comment that passion drives a person into the arms of God was never more evident than when God used a Passion Play about the life of Christ - to lift me out of my "pit" of selfishness, and bring me back to Him, thereby giving Him control of my life. The passion on stage drove me passionately into His arms!

I SO love that God works through the gift of writing He has given you - to accomplish the same thing. And I love your God-filled heart of love for Him, and your world of readers. Like Lena, you not only had my reader's heart at the first word of your first book I read - but even before, by the "online love" expressed to all your readers!

Your recent inclusion of a quote from "Jesus Calling" in your Journal Jots - so touched me that the next time I went shopping, I purchased a copy. Such is the case with any book you recommend, if it speaks to Julie Lessman, then I know it will speak to me! Such is the case with Journal Jots - it never fails to speak to my heart when you bare yours!

Love you and love your books, Julie! Thanks for sharing your gift of writing, and God's passionate love with the world!!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ky.

Wilani Wahl said...

Julie, I love your books and I am gradually getting them all. I would so love to win your new book. I hope you will have a great weekend and can stay warm in these frigid temps.

wwchildren at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I love your books and would be thrilled to win this one, it really looks good. Thanks for a chance
Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com

Sparks of Ember said...

I'm so glad to have recently discovered Julie's books. I love the "Passion with a purpose" motto.

And I'm living in South Dakota. It's my current "from". ;)

Marissa said...

I love Julie's books!! Can't wait to read her newest!

Marissa from CO

Unknown said...

Wonderful interview! Love Julie's books!!

BABBIE said...

I am from Seneca, Missouri. I have just recently discovered Julie and her books. I have been lucky enough to have read "ALITW" and I am now reading "APMP". I love her books, and I am lucky enough to call her my friend. her books take you into the story, though you were right there on those pages with the characters. She has made me laugh, cry, and even a little sad when I get to the end of the book. But, by far she is a fantastic writer, and I look forward to reading more of her books. Thank you Julie, Barbara [aka Babbie]

Julie Lessman said...

Aw, PEG, I am SO glad our paths have crossed, my friend, and I can't thank you enough for reading my books!!

And, YES, you are NEVER too old to follow your dream -- look at Grandma Moses!! I'm SO glad my "age" encouraged you ... gosh, I sure wish it would encourage me!! ;)

Happy weekend, and GOOD LUCK!!

Julie

Unknown said...

I live in Maumelle, AR - just across the bridge from Little Rock - I just finished A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman so I would love to win the 2nd book in that series - thanks for the opportunity

Julie Lessman said...

Thanks SO much, CYNDI -- what a sweet comment!! And trust me, I'm anxious to see what you think about DTLA, so if you like it, I hope you consider entering my newsletter contest where one short review posted enters you to have a character named after you in my next book and a signed copy, okay? And if you don't like it ... uh, never mind. :|

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, AMY ... lovely to see you right back, darlin', and here's hoping it earns you a win!!

Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie

Patty said...

Thanks for the interview and giveaway ladies! I've loved each and every one of Julie's books. I especially enjoyed A Light in the Window!

Patty said...

I forgot to leave where I am from in the above comment!

Patty in SC

Faithful Acres Books ~ Linda Marie Finn said...

Morning Jules ! Waving to AMY in TN, have not been down for two years, really miss it down there girl. And by all means Amy M, you post a reveiw, you never know you could end up in the next book of Julies with me !!! Perhaps one of my girls ! I am loving reading ever review and each persons take on your books julie. Miss Linda is trying in her free time, of which I dont get much with all these awesome authors desiring my time... I am trying to read all Julies books and get my reviews in...Jules, do you think you can pray for more hours in my days and nights... ? lol I sure need more. Hugs and Much Love, Linda Marie Finn, Faithful Acres Books, http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

Janka H. said...

Lovely interview !

I am an international fan of Julie (Slovakia, Europe).

God bless you both !
Janka H.
janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

Heidi Reads... said...

I'm excited to read your book! The description sounds right up my alley!

Heidi, CA

Julie Lessman said...

SHANNON!!! Really? Your name is McClamrock??? Oh, girl ... do you need to read my books or what!!???

You see, I write Irish family sagas and do I have a deal for you!! If you haven't read any of my books before, I strongly encourage you to check out a FREE DOWNLOAD going on right now of my first book, A Passion Most Pure, which won American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the Year and currently had 350 five-star reviews on Amazon. Here's the link if you want to check it out, and I hope you do: http://www.amazon.com/Passion-Most-Pure-Daughters-Boston-ebook/dp/B...

And if you like it, let me know, and I'll tell you how to enter my contest to have a character named after you in my next book and a signed copy, okay? And if you don't like it? Well ... uh ... never mind! ;)

Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!

Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Oh, BONNIE, it's downright spooky how much we have in common, you poor thing!! ;) It doesn't surprise me that you like psychology too -- only one of the MANY reasons we so get along!!

And how well I remember your story about the Passion Play, so GREAT case in point, my friend!

Oh, and don't even get me started on Jesus Calling -- WOW, what a devotional!! Speaks volumes to me every single day, in only a tiny paragraph. Hard to believe, but when there's an anointing on something, that's what happens. :)

Thanks for your ongoing support and friendship, Bonnie -- SO appreciate you!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Thanks, LANI ... I've got both my fireplace and a space heater going on right now, so I am definitely staying warm! Hope you are too ... or wait, you live in a warm clime, don't you, you little brat!! ;)

Soooo glad you are getting your mitts on most of my books because you are very diligent in these giveaways and I so appreciate that!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Thanks, SHIRLEY, and here's hoping your comment today on Lena's blog nets you a win, you sweet thing!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

LADY SPARK!!! You DO realize that is your new name to me, right??

I am SOOO excited to have a reader friend by the name of Lady Spark because, girl, NOBODY likes "sparks" as much as I do, which is why there are SO many in my books. Cannot WAIT to see what you think, so you best contact me if you like APMP,okay? And as I always like to say, if you don't like it ... forget my address, PLEASE!!

HUGS,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, MARISSA ... SO good to see you here, my friend, and here's hoping I can send you a signed copy of DTLA!!

Hugs!
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Why, THANK YOU, PAM!! Sounds like you've read a fair number of my books, and if so, I sure hope you consider entering my newsletter contest I have going on now through 3/31/14 where posting even one short review for any of my books will enter you to win a character named after you in my next book, a signed copy, and if you are the top poster, a $50 gift card. So if you're interested, just sign up for my newsletter (I send out two a year) at http://www.julielessman.com/sign-up-for-newsletter/, and I will send you the info, okay? But if reviews are not your thing, NO WORRIES, okay? I'm just grateful you read my books in the first place!! :)

Hugs,
Julie

Melanie Backus said...

I have read great things about this book. Can't wait to read it. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Melanie Backus, TX

Julie Lessman said...

BARBARA!!! Oh, girl, I'm gonna call you Babbie from now on because I LOVE that!! Soooo much personality, don't you think??

Okay, sweetie-pie, we have GOT to get another book in your hands, so I've got a ton of giveaways going on right now, so if you don't win here, check 'em out on my website calendar at http://www.julielessman.com/julies-calendar/, okay?

And GOOD LUCK!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Ooooo, SHARON ... that's a good sign that you want the second book, even though you probably HATE Charity like everybody else does after APMP. Some readers have actually written to ask me to "slap Charity for them," or want to see her "maimed or killed." Obviously she evokes A LOT of passion from people, but I promise you before you are through with this 7-book family saga, you are going to LOVE her and she may even be your fave of the family. By books 3 & 5, she is SO funny, she makes me laugh in almost every scene she's in because she is SUCH a hoot! So stick in there with her through book 2 and then 3, and you'll see what I mean.

Oh, and I don't know if you post reviews or not, but if you do, I wanted to let you know about a newsletter contest I have going on now through 3/31/14 where posting even one short review for any of my books will enter you to win a character named after you in my next book, a signed copy, and if you are the top poster, a $50 gift card. So if you're interested, just sign up for my newsletter (I send out two a year) at http://www.julielessman.com/sign-up-for-newsletter/, and I will send you the info, okay? But if reviews are not your thing, NO WORRIES, okay? I'm just grateful you read my books in the first place!! :)

Good luck in the contest, sweetie!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Thanks, PATTY, for your sweet comment, especially for ALITW! :) And like I told Sharon above, I hope you consider entering my newsletter contest I have going on now through 3/31/14 where posting even one short review for any of my books will enter you to win a character named after you in my next book, a signed copy, and if you are the top poster, a $50 gift card. So if you're interested, just sign up for my newsletter (I send out two a year) at http://www.julielessman.com/sign-up-for-newsletter/, and I will send you the info, okay? But if reviews are not your thing, NO WORRIES, okay? I'm just grateful you read my books in the first place!! :)

Good luck in the contest, sweetie!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

LOL, LINDA ... you bet, darlin', if you'll say the same prayer for me!! :)

I do SO appreciate your support, my friend, and your diligence has paid off with several big wins in my contests, so you go, girl!!

And as long as you don't ditch me for all those other authors, I'm good ... ;)

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

JANKA!!! Always love seeing your sweet name pop up, my friend, because I know how far away you are, but that sure doesn't stop you, for which I'm glad!!

Would LOVE to send you a signed book, so here's to a win, you sweet thing, and hugs from the USA!!

Good luck!
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, HEIDI ... trust me, I'm anxious too, darlin', and if you haven't read any of my books before, I sure hope you check out a FREE DOWNLOAD going on right now of my first book, A Passion Most Pure, which won American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the Year and currently had 345 five-star reviews. Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Passion-Most-Pure-Daughters-Boston-ebook/dp/B...

Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!

Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Ooooo, MELANIE, sooooo good to hear, my friend, and I hope it lives up to the hype! :)

Here's to a win!

Hugs,
Julie

Unknown said...

Can't wait to read and keep up the writing.

Kayla(kaykay)- Julie Lessman Fan! said...

Great Interview! I from South Carolina. I would love to win a copy of Dare to love Again so I can finally read it. That would be AWESOME!

happygurl1807(at)yahoo(dot)com

Julie Lessman said...

VIRGINIA ... thank you, sweetie, and here's hoping you pull out a win!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

KAYLA!! Would LOVE to send you a signed copy, my friend, so fingers crossed for a win!!

Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!

JULIE

Sparks of Ember said...

lol - I like Lady Spark - it's a nice mash of my two usernames. ;) And I know I'll like it - no worries there!

Unknown said...

I am becoming a HUGE Julie Lessman fan! Definitely want to read all of her books!!:)

bookworm9404(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I have a long list of books on my "to read" shelf and The Dancing Master is one of them, along with Dare To Love Again. So glad to have been introduced to so many wonderful christian authors during the Holiday Scavenger Hunt in December. Thanks for sharing more about yourself, Julie. God Bless!

Tina from Fruitland, Idaho

Anonymous said...


Thanks Lena for having Julie for an interview. You just gotta love Julie. And, because she likes my name. First to ever tell me that. But, in honesty, guess my parents must have liked it. And, Julie, good thing the lady didn't swallow that pin. And you mean now that I'm getting older I can just claim a "wee bit".? LOL Maybe she has more clout with her publisher than some to be able to put more passion in her books.
I would love to win and check out some of that passion. Love you Julie. Really! THanks ladies for this give-away. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

Cindy W. said...

I'm sure most readers will agree that when it comes to passionate Christian fiction, Julie Lessman's name springs to the top of the list. I'm sure DTLA will be as wonderful as her other books and I would LOVE to win a copy. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

I live in freezing, snow-covered Indiana.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

Unknown said...

i am from Palm Springs calif. I am in the procces of reading all of Julie's books." I just finished "A Light in the Window"What a fantastic book! I have to say this is by far my favorite book i have read in a long timer maybe ever ! I read alot of books too!She really knows how to involve you with the her characters of the book and reel you in like you are there at the moment! Julie writes with such passion,romance laughter,with so much love and most of all for the love of Jesus! She always writes a message about the bible, from the bible or about Jesus and it just flows with the characters actions and a with such love for Jesus! i couldn't put her book down!I have just started reading her Boston Series and i am already totally involved also! I loved this interview because it shows how true Julie is and how much Love she has for others and Jesus and she holds your attention with every word.i had to LOl about Julie never being in Boston! I also read Sarah Young's devotional " Jesus Calling" and it feels like Jesus is talking to you personally! I read it every day ever since her book came out.That is what I love about Julie she always tells you about another good book so you will learn about authors and get to know God thru these books. what other author promotes other author books? She really does care about her readers! I could go on and on about how great of an author Julie is ! Please read her books as you will feel all different kinds of felling but you def. will feel Jesus's love for all!She is my favorite author and her words flow thru the Holy Spirit i think!I loved this interview and found it to be very interesting! Thank you for having this interview with Julie and letting other readers know about Julie if they don't know her yet!God Bless You and Your families !
Your sister in Christ,
Darlene

Unknown said...

I've always loved your books Julie. You're my favorite author and I find myself re- reading all your books. Great interview!

Marie from Vermont

Vera Godley said...

I would love to see just where Julie takes us on the hills of San Francisco this time. Toss my name in the hat, too.

I'm in North Carolina but have visited San Francisco several times and love to go.

spangldlady said...

The Queen City of the Ozarks [Springfield, MO]. I would love to win this book. I am so thrilled for the opportunity to enter. I have just finished "Love at Any Cost" and once again with your writing was amazed at how quickly the plot brought about a desired ending! Surely need to find out how the next chapter [book] turns out. :)
Blessings! Darlene

Anonymous said...

Hi Lena and Julie!
I would love to win this book! I've loved all of Julie's books and I'm super excited to read Dare To Love Again! I'm very curious about the stick that Allison carries - several people have mentioned it and I really want to know the story behind it. I loved Allison in Love at Any Cost and I can't wait to see her "meet her match."
Thanks for this chance to win!
Blessings,
Sarah

P.S. I almost forgot that I'm supposed to include where I live - I'm from West Virginia and if anyone wants any snow, please let me know. We will happily share. ;)

Julie Lessman said...

LADY SPARK ... well, I don't count my chickens -- or my readers -- before they hatch, so we'll just wait and see, darlin' ... ;)


MICAELA, thank you SOOO much, girl, for reading my books in the first place, but then to become a "huge fan" (although I like the phrase "reader friend" better because that's what you are to me), is icing on the cake. And heaven knows just HOW much I love cake ... ;)


Hey, TINA ... I love Julie K too and have The Dancing Master burning a hole in my TBR list!! And I could be wrong, but it sounds to me like maybe you haven't read any of my books before? If so, I sure hope you check out a FREE DOWNLOAD going on right now of my first book, A Passion Most Pure, which won American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the Year and currently had 345 five-star reviews. Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Passion-Most-Pure-Daughters-Boston-ebook/dp/B...


MAXIE!!! You bet you can claim "a wee bit" when it comes to age -- it's the only way I can tolerate it myself! ;) And, LOL, you said, "You just gotta love Julie." Thank you, my friend, and how I wish that were true, but there's quite a few 1-star reviewers who would disagree. ;) Good luck, sweetie!


Hugs and GOOD LUCK to all!!
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

Brrrr, CINDY ... "freezing, snow-covered" doesn't sound real good right now, but we are going to thaw out to about 40 today and low 50s tomorrow in St. Loo ... right before it plummets to zero on Monday ... :| BUT ... if you need warming up, do I have an author for you!! ;) Good luck, girlfriend. :)


Hey, DARLENE, I am sooooo thrilled you enjoyed ALITW, my sweet friend, and I sure hope you post a short review on Amazon so I can enter you in my contest to have a character named after you in my next book and a signed copy!! And, YES, Jesus Calling is INCREDIBLE, so I'm glad it blesses you too. Thank you SO much, Darlene, for your kind words and especially your loving support -- you are always a blessing to me, my friend, and I can't thank you enough! GOOD LUCK in the contest!!


WOW, MARIE ... that blesses the socks off of me, girlfriend -- THANK YOU!! Not only to be among your faves, but for you to reread my books really makes me smile!! They become like family to me, so I'm glad you like to revisit them too! GOOD LUCK!!


VERA ... I have to admit that I'm pretty excited about this S.F. tour based on some of the reviews I've gotten so far. Some of them say DTLA is like you are walking the streets of S.F. in 1900s on a tour, which makes me grin. Some of the credit goes to my wonderful editor who just happens to be a San Fran native, so I had LOTS of facts to get straight ... :)

Hugs and GOOD LUCK to all!!
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

DARLENE FROM SPRINGFIELD -- Hey, girl, I'm from St. Loo, so we are practically neighbors!! ;) I am SO glad you enjoyed LAAC, and like I told the other sweet Darlene above, I don't know if you post reviews or not, but if you do, I wanted to let you know about a newsletter contest I have going on now through 3/31/14 where posting even one short review for any of my books will enter you to win a character named after you in my next book, a signed copy, and if you are the top poster, a $50 gift card. So if you're interested, just sign up for my newsletter (I send out two a year) at http://www.julielessman.com/sign-up-for-newsletter/, and I will send you the info, okay? But if reviews are not your thing, NO WORRIES, okay? I'm just grateful you read my books in the first place!! :)


LOL, SARAH ... uh, no thank you, sweetie ... you can keep your snow because we have had more than enough of our own! ;) Ah .... the stick. Yes, well I'm afraid the confrontations between Miss Alli and Mr. Nick (or Mr. Crankypants as he is fondly known) are a wee bit volatile at times, but I assure you, no one is maimed or killed! ;)

Good luck, ladies, and HUGS!!
JULIE

Susan Johnson said...

This looks like a great book. I would love to win a copy.
Susan
Odessa, Texas

Unknown said...

Julie, I have read and been Blessed by all the characters and story lines you write. Dare to Love Again is on my TBR list and would love to win thank you.
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

Britney Adams said...

I have just started reading Julie's books and I am in love! What a magnificent storyteller! I would love to win a copy of DARE TO LOVE AGAIN! Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity!

Britney Adams, TX

Julie Lessman said...

SUSAN JOHNSON ... you know, your name and face look familiar to me, but it kind of sounds like you might not have read any of my books before. If so, I sure hope you check out a FREE DOWNLOAD going on right now of my first book, A Passion Most Pure, which won American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the Year and currently had 345 five-star reviews. Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Passion-Most-Pure-Daughters-Boston-ebook/dp/B... Thanks, Susan, and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!


Aw, thanks SO much, JACKIE ... I appreciate your support with my books and sure hope I can send you a signed copy of DTLA, so here's to a win, my friend!!


Gosh, BRITNEY, your name looks SO familiar, too, like Susan's did above. Thank you SO much for reading my books, and I'm assuming you've been through the O'Connor saga and it's seven books and must now be starting on the Heart of San Fran series, so GOOD LUCK, my friend. I don't know if you post reviews or not, Brit, but if you do, I wanted to let you know about a newsletter contest I have going on now through 3/31/14 where posting even one short review for any of my books will enter you to win a character named after you in my next book, a signed copy, and if you are the top poster, a $50 gift card. So if you're interested, just sign up for my newsletter (I send out two a year) at http://www.julielessman.com/sign-up-for-newsletter/, and I will send you the info, okay? But if reviews are not your thing, NO WORRIES, okay? I'm just grateful you read my books in the first place!! :)

Hugs and GOOD LUCK to all of you!!
Julie

Kandra said...

I have yet to discover this new series, although I have read several of the O'Conner family saga! Thanks for the giveaway.
Kandra in OK

Unknown said...

Hi, Julie and Lena. I'd be thrilled to win a copy of "Dare to Love Again." I've recently been blogging about and passing on various Christian novels to a twelve-year-old girl in my church who absolutely devours these books. Thanks for an opportunity to participate in the contest.

Sybil in GA

scottsgal said...

I love the cover - the model has a sassy look on her face. Sounds like a wonderful book to read
Cheryl in IL

PriviesAndPrims said...

I love the historical romances!

Doreen
priviesandprims [at]yahoo [dot]com

sm said...

A good story with very few kisses and lots of romantic tension- some would say that is the best kind of read! Love to win your book! sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Merry said...

Oh,Julie, Dare to Love again has heat! I can't wait to meet these fiery, smile producing characters. :)
Merry in MN

Lourdes said...

I really love all of Julie Lessman's books can't wait to read this one.

Lourdes Long Island, NY

Pam K. said...

I've read all of Julie's books except this one so would be quite excited to win a copy of Dare to Love Again. Thanks so much for the chance.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

kam110476 said...

Be still my heart! I loooove when something I have is so short yet has me ready to kick some rat tail and slay him with a hatpins faster than he can roll his eyes! Oh my gosh I love your writing Julie so much! I love that I don't have to workout on days I read your novels because without fail your word have my heart and my blood pumping so hard that I can take that day off from exercising!!
Norman, Oklahoma
kam110476 (at) gmail (dot) com

rubynreba said...

I enjoy Julie's books and look forward to reading Dare To Love Again. I enjoyed the interview.
Beth from Iowa

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, KANDRA ... Book 1 in this series is Love at Any Cost and although both it and book 2, Dare to Love Again, can be read as stand-alones, I think it's best read them in order due to a plot twist in book 1, so if you do win here, I will be happy to send you LAAC instead of DTLA, okay?


Hey, SYBIL, what a GREAT idea, you sweet thing!! Gosh, I am getting ready to give away about 4 big boxes of Christian books because hubby and I are trying to simplify our lives by getting rid of stuff, so HOW I wish I had a young gal I could just give the stuff too!! Maybe I will call some church libraries and see if they want them. :) Anyway, GOOD LUCK in the contest!


Thanks, CHERYL ... Revell does do a wonderful job on the covers, and Alli IS sassy, so they captured her really well. :) GOOD LUCK!!


LOL, DOREEN ... I think I might have guessed that from your very clever addy!! Well, here's hoping we can add yet another historical to your bookshelf! ;)

Hugs, JUlie

Julie Lessman said...

SM ... yes, quite a few people would say that, which is why I attempted to write a book like that this time around. Trust me, it's a rarity among my books where kisses usually reign. ;)


LOL, MERRY ... yes, it definitely has "heat," but the smoldering kind of romantic tension ... not the sizzling kind of romance that I usually write. Either way, there's plenty of warmth to curl the toes. ;)


LOURDES!!! How are you girl -- haven't seen you in a while, so hope all is well. And thank you for reading my books -- hopefully I can send a signed copy of DTLA to you if you win, so GOOD LUCK!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

PAM K!!! Yes, you have, you sweet thing, and I thank you for that! And I'm pretty sure you have already posted reviews for all of my books in past contests, but if you haven't, I hope you will consider entering this year's contest where even one short (and recent) review enters you in the random drawing to have a character named after you in my next book and a signed copy, so give it some thought if you haven't posted a review for one or more of my books, okay? And GOOD LUCK, my friend!!


LOL, KAM ... you are TOO cute, girlfriend!! I do believe that's the first time anyone has referenced reading my books as being a workout, but I like it!! I have a heart condition, so it's MUCH better I give my readers palpitations than myself, right??? Thanks SO much, Kam, for reading my books and like I told Pam above, I sure hope you consider entering my contest where even one short (and recent) review enters you in the random drawing to have a character named after you in my next book and a signed copy, so give it some thought if you haven't posted a review for one or more of my books, okay? And GOOD LUCK, my friend!!


Thanks, BETH ... Lena does a great interview, doesn't she, though? I always love coming to her blog because they're SO many new friends I get to meet!! GOOD LUCK!!

Hugs,
Julie

Jean said...

I love Julie's books. Thanks for this opportunity!

Jean K
West Palm Beach, FL

Julie Lessman said...

JEAN K ... thank you, sweetie-pie, and here's hoping you pull out a win!!

Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie

Ganise C said...

Me, pick me! :-) I've been hearing soooo many good things about Dare to Love Again. Would be thrilled to win a copy. *Waves and smiles to Julie* Thank you!

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, GANISE, SOOOO good to see you here, sweetie. And if anybody needs to win this book, it's you so you can see that, yes, I can write sweeter books. Then you can tell Melanie! ;)

Hugs,
Julie

apple blossom said...

I'm a julie fan please love to win her book thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Wendy Newcomb said...

I would love to win one of Julie's books, thank you for hosting this giveaway.

Wendy in Florida

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, APPLE BLOSSOM ... always good to see you, my friend!! Here's hoping we can pull you out a win, Abs!!


Well, WENDY, let's just see what we can do, my friend ... fingers crossed for a win!!

Good luck to you both and HUGS!!
JULIE

Anonymous said...

I would love to read Allison and Nick's story. Sounds very interesting. They sound like quite a pair! Great winter reading!
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY

Unknown said...

I commented a few days ago, and I just now realized that in that comment I failed to include where I live, which is ME. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Julie Lessman said...

Hey, MARYANN ... SO glad you are interested in reading Nick and Alli's story, my friend, so here's to a win!!

And I don't recognize your name or your addy, so that leads me to believe that you might not have read any of my books before, and if that's the case, do I have a deal for you!!

If you haven't read any of my books before, PLEASE check out a FREE DOWNLOAD going on right now of my first book, A Passion Most Pure, which won American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the Year and currently had 358 five-star reviews. Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Passion-Most-Pure-Daughters-Boston-ebook/dp/B...

Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!

Julie

Julie Lessman said...

MICAELA ... smart girl!! You deserve to win just based on covering all your bases, girlfriend, so GOOD LUCK!!

Hugs,
Julie

Unknown said...

I'm bad to judge a book by its cover, lol, and I love the picture of the spunky confident woman on the cover of this one! I can't wait to read it. All of Julie's books are sooo good!

Tonja In VA

Anonymous said...

Would love to win Julie's book!!Thanks Lena for the chance to enter to win! Shelia Hall sheliarha64@yahoo.com

Julie Lessman said...

LOL, TONJA ... I'm the SAME way!! If the cover doesn't draw me in, I am SO bad about reading the book!!

Thanks for coming by and for your sweet comment -- here's hoping it nets you a win, girlfriend!!

Hugs,
Julie

Julie Lessman said...

SHELIA ... good girl, you're making the blog circuit, which is the best way to win a free book, trust me!! I win 2 or 3 free books a year that way myself, so the odds are good!!

HUGS & GOOD LUCK!!
Julie

Wanda (A Book Lover's Retreat) said...

Miss Julie you KNOW I love you! You are one of the MOST genuine people I have ever met. I absolutely LOVE your writing style. While your love scenes might be more passionate than others (which I LOVE) you bring forth a message from God that is clearer than ANY other author's books I have read. And you do it in EVERY single book! I LOVE that you make me re-think my entire relationship with God each time I read one of your books or Journal Jot posts. You are a true talent and such a great lady. I'm SO blessed to know you!

Wanda Barefoot
flghtlss1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Julie Lessman said...

Oh, WANDA, you have NO IDEA how your incredible comment blesses the socks off me!!

I SOOOO appreciate your following statement: "While your love scenes might be more passionate than others (which I LOVE) you bring forth a message from God that is clearer than ANY other author's books I have read. And you do it in EVERY single book!"

I often tell readers that yes, my books ARE more passionate, but not just romantically, but spiritually too because I do think I'm pretty bold and brazen about presenting spiritual truths in what I hope is a natural and compelling way. But then I think to myself, maybe people don't think my books are more spiritually passionate, so it blesses me to have you point that out!! Because, yes, the romantic passion is fun, but it's the spiritual passion that I'm hoping will rev the pulse for some people, making them realize that relationship with God can and should be as natural as breathing, which I try to make it for my characters.

Good luck, my friend, and HUGS!!
JULIE

Faithful Acres Books ~ Linda Marie Finn said...

I will always have time for you Jules !
Hugs
Linda

Julie Lessman said...

YAY, LINDA ... SO good to hear that, my sweet friend!!

GOOD LUCK ... although we both know YOU don't need it ... ;)

Hugs,
Julie

Lady DragonKeeper said...

It's hard to believe you haven't been to Boston yet! I would have never known from your books ... =)

Thanks for the chance to win!

jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

P.S. --I'm from Hawaii ;)

Julie Lessman said...

LDK ... nope, it is sad I haven't been to Boston, isn't it? But I DID do my research!! ;)

And I knew you were from Hawaii, you little brat -- do you have to rub it in??? ;)

Hugs,
Julie

Faithful Acres Books ~ Linda Marie Finn said...

You know Jules, I am really feeling good about turning 50 this year...Perahaps this will be my year to write a novel or novella..smile and just think being a working girl this late in life...we dang I must be hot !!!! lol
Linda