Wednesday, September 1, 2010

IT'S FINALLY HERE!! The A Hope Undaunted release party

I can't believe it's finally here; A Hope Undaunted has finally been released!! *Heavenly fan-fair sounds from above*. I'm so excited!! Most everyone I know either has a copy of AHU coming to them, or they already have a copy and are devouring it --page-after-page-- as I speak er, write. But, that doesn’t mean this party is for not, since everyone got their copy before its release date. Any reason to throw a party is a good reason too. Or, so said my fortune cookie that I got with my lunch today. ;)


I also just want to remind y’all that if you still want to enter my Countdown To A Hope Undaunted giveaway, go HERE. It's y'alls' last chance to enter, so don't be such a procrastinator like me, and put it off, cause it's now or never.

With that out of the way... are you guys ready to get the party started?


Well than, queue the tunes!


Gusts are just now arriving.
I see Amber just got out of class, and is that Casey? Gosh, those girls look great in their dresses.   And on their heels comes Tammy in a stunning black dress! There is Ariel in equaly stunning white dress.  And some many other blogger friends are coming too. But wait, I think *stands ontip-toes to see*...yes, I do believe the whole O'Connor clan has joined the others and are coming this way. I hope I made enough Coconut Cream pie for Mr. O'Connor, because he looks like he didn’t get a properlunch. Obviously Marcy didn't want to be late. Oh, I see Collin and Faith arm in arm. Charity, Mitch, and their brood aren’t far behind. There’s Lizzie and Brady with Mrs. Gerson on his arm.                                                         And, I believe Katie said something about she and Cluny er, I mean Luke,  being held up at BCAS, and won't be here until later.

In the mean time, if y’all will kindly come over here, there are plenty of refreshments for everyone...hopefully enough for all the little ones, too. I've got Red Velvet cake here for Mrs. Lessman, and Marcy was kind enought to bring some of her delicious pies

Apple Pie, Peach Pie and Chocolate pie, oh my!
Mrs. Gerson made this...with a little help from Faith. I’m not sure what it is but is does look pretty tasty!




And to wash it all down, I got Orange, Cherry and Grape Nehi to drink.




Well...dig in y’all!
...
...
...

How is everything?
Good?
I know Mrs. O’Connor is happy to hear that.

Hmmm….whatever this is that Mrs. Gerson made, it is SO good...
I hope you guys have gotten your fill of the food, cause it time to take to the dance floor.
Now, I’ve said enough this time to sounds like a defective record player, but I’m an awful dancer, so no laughing when you see me trying to attempt the Charleston, okay? *chuckles heard from the back of the room* “Don’t think I didn’t hear that, Casey!” ;)

Well, as y’all are enjoying yourselves, I wanted to thank everyone for coming to the release party.
A Hope Undaunted is bound to truly be Julie’s best book yet. I know it is well worth the wait and what Julie has written on pages will not only be makes more than a few hearts pound with excitement, but will bring God and His infallible precepts out -- front and center-- for us never to forget the He should never be playing second fiddle in our lives. A fact that I have to constantly remind myself of.

Well, as we listen to the last strains of music coming from the band, and because I LOVE asking question (which is not always a good thing) I wanted to take a moment (if you’ve got it) and have everyone list one (or more is you like) thing you LOVE about Julie Lessman. Be it about Julie, her books, or both, I think Julie would love to know there are some many people here --who not only enjoy a good romance novel-- but love spectacular authors like her, as well. God is using Julie for great things, and I get excited just thinking about where He is going totake her and all the great author I featured on my blog this past week and a half. What they do, is truly a God-ordained calling. And the fact that they all have a passion for romance doesn’t hurt things, in the least ;)
Alright Y’all, enjoy the party, let’s keep our fingers crossed that the guest of honors, Julie, Katie and Luke will show up soon, and that we don’t run out of food with Mitch, Collin and Patrick raiding the dessert table… for the 5th timesince they walked in. LOL ;)
Oh I almost forgot,  Julie has kindly offered to give a signed copy of A Hope Undaunted to one lucky commenter. So, make sure to leave your name and e-mail address so in case you win, I can send it to Julie and she can get your mailing address
Love Y’all,
Ashley


!!!! 0 DAYS TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!

68 comments:

  1. Happy release day, Julie! I've enjoyed reading your countdown, Ashley.

    (Don't enter me, I've got a review copy clutched in my hands right now). :)

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  2. Yaaaaaaay! Everyone looks so lovely ;) And the food is great!

    A signed copy would be so nice! Thank you!

    pinkdaddysgirl[at]msn[dot]com

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  3. OMIGOSH, OMIGOSH!!!!!!!!!! ASHLEY girl, you have gone OVER the top on this one, sweetie -- canNOT believe it!!!

    Love, love, LOVE all the references to things in the books, like coconut cream pie being Patrick's fav and Collin, Mitch and Patrick raiding the food and RED VELVET CAKE -- OMIGOSH, how on earth did you remember it is MY favorite????

    You have truly blessed the socks off me with this awesome party and your incredible creativity -- THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

    Now, if you will excuse me ... where's that red velvet cake ... :)

    Gotta run out till this evening, but I will check in tonight, okay?

    HUGS,
    Julie

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  4. JOY!!! Soooo thrilled that you have AHU IN HAND, girl, and I hope it will be "edgy" enough for the "Edgy Inspirational Romance" blogger!! ;)

    ARIEL ... I always get amazed when someone wants a "signed" copy of a book because I have never been like that, it seems. The only thing I like signatures on are checks ... :) BUT ... I will be more than willing to comply if you win, girl, so good luck in the contest!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  5. Wow! I can't beleive it's actually here! I've been following all your countdowns, and have enjoyed reading your posts SO MUCH!! Please include me for a chance to win AHU!! That would be awesome!!!

    Katie M

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. AHU is wonderful Julie! and so is Ashley.

    And that red velvet cake???!!?!??!

    Oh.My.Stars!

    I think red velvet cake is just red chocolate.

    Yum!!!

    Pam Hillman

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  7. I LOVE this book. YES! I got an early copy of it and it's wonderful.
    Cluny may be my favorite or Julie's hunky heroes yet.

    Great party, Ashley. What a great idea.

    YAY!!!!!

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  8. Ashley!!
    This is fabulous, dahlink! *wink* Great partay! Man, does this take me back to my sister's history fair project! Lol...she had the 20s! SO COOL!

    I love red velvet cake, so I'm sitting lil ol' me down over there near Miss Julie and am having a piece, thanks!

    One thing I love about Julie is her devotion to God. She has found the niche that He put her on this earth to do and has embraced it! Then she dazzled us all with it! I also love her personality. No matter who you are, nor the reason you may be addressing her, she truly cares. Her dedication to fans, friends, and (I'm sure!) family is purely superb! I applaude you, Julie! Thank you for being such a role model and friend for me. You have shown me how to embrace life and it's many opportunities. Thank you again!!

    *sniffle, sniffle* This feels like goodbye to me! No fun! But I'm putting that all aside because I want to join you all on the dance floor!!

    *Charleston*

    *falling*

    Awwww man! I knew that my hopes were too high!! LOL! Oh well, at least I know how to laugh at myself! *wink*

    Ashley, I am soooo glad that I've gotten to know you in the blogosphere. I am lucky to have found your blog. I remember that fateful Friday, May 7 (yes, I had to look that up!). You had posted about your "chinnys" *wink* What a great post to stumble upon, it won me over instantly! Thank you for always sharing your bright and shiny personality with all of us lucky enough to experience it!

    I will DEFINITELY be back later to check up on how things are swinging! Can't wait to see how it's going!
    Hannah
    P.S. I don't have my copy of AHU (*tear*) so ummmmm it kind of goes without saying, but I'd be honored to win a SIGNED copy!! Woot, woot!! THANKS!!!!

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  9. Oh my stars, what a totally great party. I'm dancin' my feet sore and do you SEE the way Marcy is flaunting that string of pearls like they're DIAMONDS or something????

    But she's married to the hunkiest hunk of mid-life manhood going except for Gibbs... NCIS...

    And Mitch.

    Mitch now has competition for my fave Lessman hero. Oh mylanta, girl, great, wonderful, awesome job and I'm lovin' the styles everyone's come in. Mary Connealy, you are all that and more and WHO KNEW you could swing fringe like that???

    Big band music.

    I'm jumping in for the coconut cream pie because it's a Ruthy-fave..

    GRRRRRREAT party, chica.

    Ruthy

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  10. KATIE ... WHOO-HOO, it's here, it's here, and you are going to LOVE your namesake and the hot guy in her life (Cluny McGee!!), especially when the fireworks get started ... :) Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest!

    PAMMY!!! To quote Ruthy, "Oh my stars"!!! Always love when my Seeker buds drop by, so thanks for stopping in to say "hey," but I'm thinking the red velvet cake was the draw, right???

    MARY!!! Gosh, when it rains Seeker buds, it pours, doesn't it??? Soooo thrilled to see you here and especially THRILLED that Cluny could very well be your favorite hunk in this series ... I know he's mine, or at least nose-to-nose with Mr. Dennehy ... :)

    Aw, HANNAH, you're gonna make me cry, which as most people know is not necessarily that difficult to do, but you got my eyes smarting here, girl, so thank you for your very kind words. And, honey, pull up a chair next to the red velvet cake, 'cause that's where I'm gonna be most of the day!

    I echo your words about Ashley, too -- I am SO glad this girl got into blogging because she has been a TOTAL blessing to me in my life!!

    Everybody watch your feet -- I'm heading to the dance floor ... :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  11. Still have one more class to go, but I couldn't resist stopping by and shouting a hello to all my wonderful blogging friends! :D

    Ashley, this party is awesome (although I didn't realize that music would play and now I'm sure whoever walked by in the hall must think I'm crazy...)! ;) I love all the dancing and the great dresses, and please give me some of that red velvet cake!!! As Rachel Ray from Food Network would say, "Yum-o!" (At least, I think that's what she would say!)

    I hate to eat and run, but I hope to be back later! I have a Poetry Writing class at 2 (Pacific Daylight time, not East Coast time!), and then I might go work out with some of my friends at the gym. But I hope to be back for some more cake and celebrating soon! :D

    ~Amber

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  12. Ashley where did you find all those terrific dresses?! I would wear any of those...I soooo should have been born decades ago LOL!

    This is such an awesome party and a great way to celebrate Julie's latest release!

    To all you gals who havent read it, it comes HIGHLY recommended by Ashley and me! ;-)

    XOXO~ Renee

    p.s. I'm off to find some pie now. :-P

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  13. Oh, this is SO cute! What a fun party. :)

    I love Julie's writings. I get so wrapped up in her stories and with the characters that I feel like I get sucked into the book while reading it. I also love how she takes the time to interact with her fans. She always comments back...just like she's doing with the comments on here. I can't wait to read AHU, and of course, I'd LOVE to win a signed copy. :) Party on...

    s(dot)bofferding(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  14. Happy Release Day to Julie!!!!

    I simply cannot wait to read A Hope Undaunted. I have it reserved at the library, and I'm number 1 on the list!!! Finances are a little tight right now, so when I saw the library was getting it, I jumped!

    I will certainly take a grape Nehi! Haven't had one in several years!

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  15. Forgot my email. It's mchapman (at) windstream (dot) net

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  16. Great party Ashley!! Please enter me. I've been stalking Julie for a copy, but still no luck. :(

    What I like most about Julie, besides her awesome books? Her love of God show through the pages of her books, and I greatly appreciate and admire that. I love how she is also devoted to her fans. I mean, she always responds to EVERY person! That has to take lots of time, and that's so sweet. I also saw on an interview of Melanie Dickerson that Julie is just as sweet in person as she seems on the blogging world. That's more than one thing, but they were all things to be admired!! :)

    Thank you, Ashley for such a fun week!! :)

    bluerosesheart at yahoo dot com

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  17. *licking the lemon from my fingers*

    Do you think Faith will let me dance with Collin????

    My toes are tapping on the floor and I'm moving to the beat (WHAT a GREAT idea Ashley!!!)

    Oh, hang on, I HAVE to go give Faith a hug......

    *okay I'm back*

    Have you seen her kids? A-dor-able!!!

    And Beth is just clinging to Brady as if there were no tomorrow.

    Can I have another one of those lemon rolls? Mrs. Gerson knows how to cook!

    What I love about Julie? Where do I start? I have never been more warmly received by any author, I feel as I know her and I haven't even gotten the chance to "meet" her yet! Her passion for Christ, her a-m-a-z-i-n-g writing ability, I could go on and on and on!

    And oh, how could I forget... I GOT MY BOOK TODAY. YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO (that's how we do it in Oregon :)

    But my mom doesn't have one, so can you enter me? I have my email coming shortly.

    But, oh, swoon, Patrick has asked for a dance. Think I should?? I think I will. Then settle for a nice long chat with Marcy. I'll come back later! :D

    caseymh18(@)gmail(.)com

    Julie, you should have seen my grin when I saw your book, it has made my day to have it!!!!

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  18. Ashley, yes I was laughing, too funny! :D

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  19. I knew you'd have a party and what a party it is! I LOVE it! I just wish my copy of the book was already here. :o(

    {Praying for patience}

    Okay - back to the dancing. ;o) I did a musical at school so I learned how to do the Charleston. No laughing. It wasn't that long ago.

    What do I appreciate about Julie? What don't I appreciate would be easier. lol

    1. Kisses. {let me grab a fan}
    2. Collin
    3. Mitch, Brady, and all the other fabulous men.
    4. Her heart. She's such an encourager - and shares so much with fans and other writers.
    5. Her love of God that shines through every story.

    I couldn't take a chance on not winning this book, so you don't need to enter me. I ordered it a long time ago. I sure am loving the party though. Pass some of that cake, please. :o)

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  20. I just got my copy of AHU today and can't wait to dive in!

    Lovely, lovely party, Ashley dear! The music, the dancing, the food. You and Julie make a girl want to stay in the era, LOL!

    Great party for a great book.

    Hmmm,hmm,hmmmmmm

    Oh yeah, gotta get back to work.

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  21. Great party, Julie! Love the blog. I got your new book a few days ago and I'm sure it'll be wonderful as the first three! I'd love a piece of that red velvet cake. Yum!

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  22. gabriella dawn smithSeptember 01, 2010 7:00 PM

    wohoooo!! love this release party!! so wonderful!!! oh and goodness AHU is so amazing!!! so glad everyone can officially begin to enjoy it today!!!!!! just fyi cluny is one of julies best characters ever!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK! and this PARTY!! HAHA!

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  24. Oh goodness, blogger is being such a pain and just deleted my multi-comment, comment. Now it's going to take me forever to re-write it.
    Be back in a little bit;)
    Love Y'all,
    Ashley

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  25. great part-ay!! My mother-in-law always made my husband a red velvet cake for his birthday every year (and his birthday is Dec. 26!)... loving the book - there are so many great insights - from being a better mother (not spoiling my children) to being a better wife who truly loves her LORD more than her husband, but also repects, loves and trusts her husband as God's greatest gift ever... can't wait until Julie's next book comes out!

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  26. I'm back!!! :D Just got back from the gym, so besides a twinge in my arm, I'm ready for some dancing! Not to be a copycat of Casey, but do you think I could dance with Mitch?

    Oh, I think I see Charity glaring at me... Sorry! ;) Maybe Cluny...?

    This is such a fun party, and GUESS WHAT?! My parents told me that three packages came to our PO Box at home, and I think one of them is A Hope Undaunted!!! Yay!!! Now I just have to wait for it to get sent to me at college...

    But soon I'll be doing the Oregon cheer with Casey: YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! ;)

    Thanks so much for the fun time, and I'm so sorry blogger is giving you trouble, Ashley! :(

    Oh, and what I love about Julie Lessman's books is all of the passion--passion for God, passion for love, passion for life, etc. The emotions in her books are so real, so powerful! And of course Julie herself is a gem! :D

    Now I'm off to get back on the dance floor!

    ~Amber

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  27. I leave for two hours and come back to find all these great comments!

    JOY~ I'm happy you came, Joy and I'm so glad you've been following my countdown posts!;) And I know what you mean when you say you have AHU clutched in your hands. My copy has finger indentions on the cover from me gripping it so tightly.LOL

    ARIEL~ You made it! I'm so glad. Aren't the dresses great. I'll admit that when I went to the link you put in the comment a while back, I wasn't sure which dress you were talking about since there were two with black accents on it. So I'm hoping I got the right one. :)

    JULIE~YOU CAME!!! I"m so, SO glad you joined the party Mrs. Lessman! And evening happier that you're enjoying it.:D
    I think once while I was cyber-stalking er, I mean following you, on a Seeker post, you mention in one of your comments, that you LOVED red velvet cake. But, you better get yourself a few more piece while your at it, cause it looks like Mitch is eyeing the red velvet cake. If it weren't for Faith, Charity and Marcy restraining their husbands, I'm afraid we'd be clean out of food by now.;)

    KATIE~ Thank you so much for following and enjoying my countdown posts. And here I thought the only person reading them was my Mom. ;)

    PAM~ THANK YOU for such sweet words, Pam. Now, I know Julie and her books are wonderful. But me? Probably not so wonderful. ;) And eat all the red velvet cake you want, cause I'm not sure how long it will last.

    MARY~ You got a copy AHU early? You lucky girl, you! And Cluny is pretty great, isn't he *sigh*
    Enjoy the party.

    HANNAH~ I always love your comments, Hannah. Their always so witty and cute. And I'm so glad I'm not the only one falling flat on my face on the dance floor. Not that I'm enjoying the fact that you fell on your face, dear me no! But, you know what they say: uncoordinated dancers, love company. ;) jk.LOL
    Thank you for those sweet words. I'm so glad we met in the blogosephere, too. A fateful friday, you call it? Sounds ominous. But, I do remember your comment about my little chinnies; which reminds me I've got to do an update about them soon.
    Good luck in the giveaway!

    ENJOY THE PARTY Y'ALL!
    ~Ashley

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  28. RUTH~ Marcy is always flaunting what she got, especially if it's that hunky husband of hers.
    Glad you're having fun at the party, and I hope there is enough Coconut cream pie to go around. I have a feeling if you turn your back on you plate for even a second Ruth, Patrick just might steal your piece!LOL;)

    JULIE(again)~ Now, stop trying to make me cry, you hear? I don't know if I can stand all these sweet comments, their making my cheek burning brighter than Katie's when when Luke give her that half-lidded teasing look of his.Oh and before you go out there dancing, Mrs. Lessman, make sure you hide you plate of red velvet cake from Mitch. :)

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  29. Oh, I don't know know if you should take Mitch, Amber, Charity isn't good about sharing. :) I was going to dance with Collin, but thought that well... Faith might like me better if I didn't. :)

    Hey you're in Oregon now girl, you got to be one of us. Nice job on that thar holler. ;)

    This music just has my toes tapping and my silk dress swishing, who wants to take a swing with me?? I can't stand still for long!

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  30. Ashley,
    Hubby and I are swing dancing across the kitchen floor. Such fun! Love the music and the celebration. Julie is the greatest! I have my copy of AHU! Thanks for a fun party!!!

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  31. RUTHY!!! I did it??? You mean I really did it??? Managed to bump Mitch out of your top spot with little, ol' Cluny McGee??? Because I KNOW how much you liked Mitch, just one more thing we were in SOUND agreement on!! But I gotta tell ya, Cluny and Mitch are neck in neck for me, with Cluny having it by a hair. Thank you SOOO much for swinging by, Ruthy, ESPECIALLY SINCE ...

    DRUM ROLL PLEASE ...

    RUTHY'S third book -- MADE TO ORDER FAMILY -- is ALSO releasing TODAY, so everyone is definitely gonna want to read ALL of Ms. Logan Herne's three books because if you think my heroes are hot ... just wait till you get a glimpse of hers!! Like Amber said Rachel Rae said ... "YUM-O!!!" :)

    AMBER ... hope school is going well, girl! Can't be too bad if you have a Poetry class because anything to do with writing is the "bee's knees" as far as I'm concerned!! Ashley's 20s music playing while you were in the hall is a HOOT!! Actually, when I first came to Ashley's blog this morning, I had the volume turned up on my computer and it blasted into my and Keith's tiny office, and we both started laughing out loud!! What a great way to kick off our day, truly!!

    RENEE ... I STILL cannot believe that you, Ashley and Pepper have already finished AHU, along with my sweet friend Kelsey R.!!! That thar Cluny boy shore makes it a real FAST read, don't he, though??? YUM-O!!!! :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  32. AW, SARA, what a sweet thing to say, my friend!! Especially the part about getting "sucked in to the book while reading it" -- something EVERY author wants to hear!! And, girl, I would LOVE for you to win a copy, so good luck in the contest and if you don't win here, check my website calendar for tons more giveaways, okay?

    MICHELLE ... honey, I don't care if you read AHU through the library, in a Borders (ahem ... like our official "Borders Girl" Amber!) or beg, borrow or steal it ... just read it, PLEASE because word of mouth is what it's all about for an author, so have at it, girl!! And, grin ... you like grape Nehi??? Funny, so does Katie O'Connor ... and Cluny! As a matter of fact, the little story that Katie tells in the book about wishing the water fountains at school were grape Nehi??? Yeah, you guessed it -- that's what I used to wish when I went to St. Catherine Laboure grade school. I used to squeeze my eyes shut and pray for grape juice, but alas ... never happened! :) Good luck, Michelle!

    TAMMY!!! I have been realllly, reallly good today and have only teared up a few times, but now here I go again! Thank you for your very kind words, but I have a little secret for you ... Melanie Dickerson just thinks I'm nice because I cry as much as she does!! :) We are the soggy sisters, that's for darn sure! Which is only one of the many reasons I LOVE Melanie! And cannot WAIT to get my mitts on her new book 'cause if she's as emotional in her writing as she is in person (like moi), it is going to be REAL good! And I got a glimpse because I got to read the first chapter, so I KNOW it's gonna be awesome!!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  33. AW, SARA, what a sweet thing to say, my friend!! Especially the part about getting "sucked in to the book while reading it" -- something EVERY author wants to hear!! And, girl, I would LOVE for you to win a copy, so good luck in the contest and if you don't win here, check my website calendar for tons more giveaways, okay?

    MICHELLE ... honey, I don't care if you read AHU through the library, in a Borders (ahem ... like our official "Borders Girl" Amber!) or beg, borrow or steal it ... just read it, PLEASE because word of mouth is what it's all about for an author, so have at it, girl!! And, grin ... you like grape Nehi??? Funny, so does Katie O'Connor ... and Cluny! As a matter of fact, the little story that Katie tells in the book about wishing the water fountains at school were grape Nehi??? Yeah, you guessed it -- that's what I used to wish when I went to St. Catherine Laboure grade school. I used to squeeze my eyes shut and pray for grape juice, but alas ... never happened! :) Good luck, Michelle!

    TAMMY!!! I have been realllly, reallly good today and have only teared up a few times, but now here I go again! Thank you for your very kind words, but I have a little secret for you ... Melanie Dickerson just thinks I'm nice because I cry as much as she does!! :) We are the soggy sisters, that's for darn sure!
    Which is why I realllly LOVE Melanie and cannot WAIT to get my mitts on her new book 'cause if she's as emotional in her writing as she is in person (like moi), it is going to be REAL good! And I got a glimpse because I got to read the first chapter, so I KNOW it's gonna be awesome!!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  34. CASEY!!! YOU GOT YOUR BOOK -- I AM SOOOOO HAPPY!!! Now don't you tear through it like Renee, Pepper and Kelsey, you hear?? T-A-K-E I-T S-L-O-W-L-Y ... S-A-V-O-R, okay??? :) Keep in mind the next one is not coming out till a year from now!!

    And are you kidding? Do I think Faith would let you dance with Collin??? Dream on, honey, because keep in mind that Faith and I are a LOT alike and if someone as cute as you came buzzing around, I'd do what Charity does in A Heart Revealed ... oh, wait ... you don't KNOW what Charity does in AHR because that won't be out till next year!!! Grin ... but trust me -- it will blow you away ... ;)

    LEE!!! What a doll you are to come by and say "hey," my friend!! And boy, are we two peas in a pod because I'm RIGHT there with you on the first three points you listed. Something tells me that you and I would have a blast together, girl, so you need to get yourself to ACFW, you hear? If not this year, then next year for sue. Wish ALL of guys were going to be there!! Thanks for ordering the book, Lee -- I hope it ends up being worth it!! :/

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  35. What a great party!!! I am just loving this music and the food and the book's pretty great too!!!

    Great diggs!!!! YOu throw a great little pahty!!!

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  36. AUDRA ... Bless you for coming by, my friend, and from work, too!! I hope you enjoy the book, and I cannot WAIT for yours to come out next January -- talk about P-A-R-T-E-E-E!!!

    CARA ... It's so much fun when all my good buds get my book in the mail ... and it will be even MORE fun if you guys like it!! Thanks for dropping in, sweetie!

    GABE!!!! Hey, everybody, THIS is the sweetheart who won my newsletter contest to have a character named after her in A Hope Undaunted, so Gabriella Dawn Smith (Originally Tillie Dewey in my manuscript) was named after one of my FAVORITE people in the whole world -- Gabe Smith. Hats off to you, Gabe, for winning the contest by posting over 75 reviews on various bookseller blogs!!!! Now THAT'S dedication and perseverance!!! Thanks for coming by, my sweet friend.

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  37. JOETTA!!! Soooo fun to see you here, my friend, and I am THRILLED you are enjoying the book. Now you will MAKE my day/week if you tell me that Cluny is now your favorite hero. Come to think of it, I don't know WHO your favorite hero is!! Can't wait till see how you like the book and don't even THINK of telling me you read the ending ahead of time ... :)

    AMBER ... welcome back, sweetie and uh ... wise choice not asking Mitch to dance. Trust me, you don't want to mess with Charity !! But Cluny? Sigh ... go for it!! Katie is not near as green-eyed as our Charity is!

    ASHLEY ... oh, honey, if Mitch is eyeing the red velvet cake, I'm there!!! And you know what??? Charity can't do a "blasted" thing about it either ... because I created her, and I can take her out just the same! :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  38. Gabriella Dawn SmithSeptember 01, 2010 10:45 PM

    goodness this music makes me just want to get up and dance!! To bad Collin's taken... hmm maybe i could get Cluny to dance with me, we shall see!!

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  39. CASE ... here AGAIN??? Must be all the good-looking Irish men that's luring you back, girl, or what's left of the Red Velvet cake ...

    DEB, you sweetheart, you!! Thank you for pulling away from deadlines to come join the party!! And I am REALLY looking forward to partying with you some more in Indy, girl, so see you after 9:00 PM you know where ... ;)

    ASHLEY ... this has been SUCH a blast and I cannot thank you enough for all you have done to make my release date SO very special. You are one amazing girl ... blogger ... and friend, and I am SO blessed to know you!!

    Love ya!
    Julie

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  40. TEENSTER ... you snuck in between my comments, my friend. You are such a doll to swing by when I know you just got home from work, so THANK YOU for helping to make my party all the more special!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  41. I promise I DID not read the end - I took 3 days to read this book and that is a record for me! the only part I skimmed ahead was when Patrick was in the hospital!! how could you do that??? I finally finished the book, but looking forward to re-reading it over and over again, there is so much packed into that one book... talk about unpredictable!! you are the best...

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  42. Joetta (your # 2 obsessed fan! lol)September 01, 2010 11:44 PM

    as far as my FAVORITE, it's hard to choose.. but, Luke (I like that name much better than Cluny grin!) was amazing in this book! such depth, love and passion... wow! is all I can say!

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  43. JOETTA!!! HUSH, GIRL ... you are NOT supposed to mention any spoilers here!!! What am I going to do with you??? But I am very proud you didn't read the ending, though, so you are forgiven!! :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  44. Ahhhhh! Lots going on at the party since I stopped by : D

    Glad this has been such a success for you, Ashley, I can only imagine what dedication of time this must ahve meant to get it all together. But, honey, it was WELL WORTH IT in my opinion (not that that means much!)!! I hope it was for you too!

    JULIE: I AM SOOOOO STEAMED!!! Guess what!? My Borders has the audacity not to carry ANY of your books! NONE. AT. ALL! I hate them! Lol...I know hate is a very strong word but ya know desperate times call for desperate measures! I wanted to actually have the hard copy of all of them ; ) Plus I have, ahem, only read the first two *bad Hannah!* But, you better believe that I pointed it out to the poor employee that just so happened to get in my way! They now know the name "Julie Lessman" and "Daughters of Boston Series" and ummm "amazing, sincere, superb author!" And they better not forget it! I was very disappointed! No where has AHU here *tear*

    I guess I will have to order it and have it sent to school, lol!

    Well, since everyone else has hopped on off to bed, I think I will grab one last dance before the band packs up for the night. I'm sure they'll be back tomorrow though! Lol! Now for my partnerless dance....

    See you all tomorrow, this has been an brilliant day, Ashley!
    Hannah

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  45. Oh, Hannah, that stinks, doesn't it??? All of our St. Louis Borders carry my books except ONE crazy store that I actually went in and tried to nicely talk to the manager. It was the weirdest thing because I got really strange vibes from her, like maybe she was into the occult or something, and then when I left, this really heavy feeling came over me, which is not like me at all. Then I talked to my sister who lives by this Borders and she said the EXACT same thing happened to her weeks earlier at that same Borders after she talked to the manager -- when she left, she was majorly depressed as well. VERY weird!! So we both just prayed for that manager and store and never went back again. Sigh.

    Long story short (uh, yeah, like I can EVER do a long story short!!), I am praying you win AHU on one of the several blog giveaways I have going on, okay? For instance, I will be on Casey's blog starting tomorrow for a week, so have at it, girl and GOOD LUCK!! Hugs, Julie

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  46. Oooh, pick me!!!!
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

    I can't stand waiting another minute. :)

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  47. ANN!!! Hey, you silly goose, you just won A Hope Undaunted on Relz Reviews -- didn't you know??? I thought Relz contacted you, girl!! I am expecting my author copies ANY day now, so as soon as I ship, I will let you know,okay? But THANKS for coming by ... I like your excitement!! :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  48. AMBER~ Thank you for stopping by Amber even if for only a minute.
    And I guess the music I picked is a bit on the loud side;) I'm sorry if people starting calling you the crazy girl. Well, have tones of fun the poetry class and we'll see you later!

    RENEE~ We both should have been born 8 decades ago, girl! Only problem...computer wouldn't have been invented then, so we would never have met, Renee and I would never have heard of Julie's books. ;)
    And Renne's right Y'all, if you haven't read AHU yet, I promise every page will leave you breathless.
    Enjoy the pie while we got it Renee!

    SARA~ that's one of the big reasons I love Julie so much, is because she does talk to her readers and answer every e-mail. Have fun at the party

    MICHELLE~Lucky you, that your library actually has a copy of AHU. My library is so small, that the only books they have are still in scroll form .LOL;) Take all the grape Nehis you want Michelle, just don't let Cluny see you.

    Love Y'all,
    Ashley

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  49. Nice blog. I'm at airport though and all of a sudden trumpets are blaring and I couldn't find my sound button. LOL Oh well. Its six in the morning and they need to wake up.

    I'm so excited that you are hosting a party for HOPE UNDAUNTED. Julie is such a terrific author and your friends will surely be blessed by reading this novel.

    Have a great day.

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  50. Julie, people are NEVER going to believe when me I say that it is still sitting on my TBR stack. I do plan to savor it slowly (if such a thing is possible) because a year is an AWFUL LONG WAIT!

    I didn't think I should probably push my luck with Collin and I didn't even THINK about Mitch. I need to find me a good looking Irish to flaunt on my arm for myself now.... ;)

    And just WHAT does Charity do? I don't anything that girl does would surprise me. :)

    Sending a big hug your way!

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  51. Julie,
    That is SO weird about the girl from Borders...a little eerie. I actually got spooked when I read it! I think it was a wise choice to steer clear of that Borders : S Plus I mean if they can't even carry your books, why go there!? LOL!

    Hope your day is going well! I have to finish laundry so I can finish packing : / It's a pretty daunting task....move-in day tomorrow!!
    Talk to you later I'm sure,
    Hannah

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  52. Ashley, I got it early because I endorsed it.

    Also because I had compromising photos of Julie, but moving on.............

    I'll read it again when I can hold the actual book in my hands.

    There is one kissing scene in the book that just, well, ahem...very memorable. Loved these two. What a pair.

    Great work, Julia

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  53. SANDRA!!! Cannot BELIEVE that you are at the airport and taking time to swing by -- you are something else, girl, you know that??? God bless you and safe travels, my friend.

    CASEY ... Nothing doing, kiddo, no matter HOW much I like you! I will NOT reveal the really unbelievable thing Charity does in the next book, but take my word for it, it's not too far from something I might have done at that age, but then like Charity ... I tended to shock people a lot back then ... :)

    Oh man, HANNAH, when you said, "That is SO weird about the girl from Borders...a little eerie," for a second I thought you were talking about Amber!! You see, Amber actually read most of A Passion Most Pure in her Borders when she was younger until her dad finally broke down and bought it for her." When she told me that (and I think she sent a pic of too), Keith and I howled till we had tears in our eyes, because it tickled us so. From then on, we dubbed her "Borders girl." So thank God you were referring to the "occultish" girl from Borders I mentioned above and not Amber. Whew!!

    MARY!!! You litte brat, I needed a spew alert on that one!! I was reading it in my "office" out on the back porch and literally had to run all the way upstairs to read it to Keith because I thought it was so funny.

    AND IT'S A JOKE, EVERYBODY!!! Mary, tell them it's a joke now ... Mary??? :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  54. LOL, LOL, LOL!!!!!! I am totally LOLing right now!!!! I KNOW about Amber, I remember hearing that story ; )

    I could've said it about Amber, now that I think about it : P

    But NOOOOOO I was not referring to Amber. Sorry bout that confusion! LOL!
    Hannah

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  55. Ohhhhh Wonderful!!! Congratulations!!! You surely deserve it! Again thanks for sharing your gift, and I cannot wait to read this.
    Blessings!
    Maureen

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  56. Hahaha Ashley how true! No computers would also mean no virtual pie so I'd have to go find the real thing and I would probably end up as big as a house! :-P

    XOXO~ Renee

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  57. I'm sorry Y'all I wasn't able to comment last night, but I making up for that, today.

    TAMMY~ You stalk Jullie, too? We could definitely be stalker buddies together; but I'm not sure Julie would like that idea very much.;) I'm so glad you're enjoying the party!

    CASEY~ I didn't even know Mrs.Gerson could bake so well, either! I'm so happy you made it and I hope Faith will let you dance with Collin. He is a dream at the waltz *sigh*:)
    And of course you're entered. That's so great that your Mom enjoys Julie's books as much as you do.
    Oh, and I can't wait to see your review of AHU!

    LEE~ Oh I hope you get a copy of AHU soon. I know how it is when you see all these people saying how good it is and you're jut itching to get your hands on it. And at least one person here knows how to dance the Charleston!
    Thank you for coming and I hope you enjoyed the party

    Love Y'all,
    Ashley

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  58. AUDRA~ Oh how exciting! I'm so happy you've got your own copy of AHU!
    So full of life, fun and flapper, I think the Roaring Twenties has to be one of the best eras in American history.
    I hope you had fun at the party, Audra!

    CARA~ AHU is just as wonderful, if not better than Julie first three books, IMO. And I'm gad you enjoyed the party, and I hope you got enough velvet cake, cause that stuff was going fast.;)

    GABRIELLA~ Oh, I'm SO glad you could come to the party! And I totally agree, Clung is one of Julie's hunkiest heros, yet.

    JOETTA~ I'm so happy you made it! And AHU is really Julie's best book so far. I can't wait to throw a release party for Julie's next book!

    AMBER~ Welcome back. I think after all the exercise you should reward yourself with a pice of red velvet cake. Oh no! It's all gone! I'm sorry Amber, but, I'm sure dancing with Cluny, is just as much of a treat as cake, ...and then some;)
    Three packages? Lucky girl! I know you're going to L-O-V-E AHU.
    And Casey's right, I can see the daggers shooting from Charity's eyes. YIKES!

    CASEY~Too funny! And I think Steven is free for a dance or two, why don't you ask him.

    Love Y'all,
    Ashley

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  59. DEBBY~ Awww... How romantic! And thank you so much for joining in on the fun here. And I hope you're enjoying AHU. Though, with Julie's books, how could you not?LOL

    JULIE~ Why, oh why do you have to tease us all with something like that. Now, I'm dying to know what Charity did. Can't you gives us just a teensy little hint? Pretty pleeeease?LOL

    TINA~ I'm so glad you enjoyed the party!

    GABRIELLA(again)~ Don't you just love 30's big band music? Now, if only someone could distract Charity for a few moments... LOL

    JOETTA (again)~ When I was reading chapter 18, I don't think I could have skimmed to save my life. I was into it so much, I think I forgot to breathe the whole time I was reading it. It was the most heart wrenching chapter, IMO. And I agree, Luke one amazing man. Lucky Katie!

    Love Y'all,
    Ashley

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  61. HANNAH (again)~ I actually wrote all my posts for the Countdown To AHU event all on the same day they were posted. Which, in the future, is not a good idea for someone who has been know'n to make a few...okay a lot of grammatical errors when writing.;)
    And your opinion means so much to me, Hannah, so don't ever doubt that.
    I wish I had the guts to into a Borders that didn't carry Julie's books, and demand that they do. But, by your example, I just might go into the BAM nest to my house and insist that it's a crime not to have Julie's book on their shelve and that they should be ashamed of themselves.;) Or, maybe not.

    ANN~ I know how you feel. Waiting for AHU has been the death of me. I'm not a very patient person, but after waiting as long as we all did for AHU, I now find waiting not a very hard ting to do. I think God was using Julie's book to tech me that lesson.
    Love Y'all,
    Ashley

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  62. Julie and Hannah,

    You guys! I was a bit worried too, but I didn't think Hannah would refer to me as "the girl from Borders." ;) Glad to know that she didn't think I was eerie!

    And Julie, I'm glad that you're glad that she wasn't referring to me! ;)

    Ashley,

    I'm sure dancing with Cluny is a treat greater than red velvet cake, although I think I'll be even more sure after reading A Hope Undaunted! I think I'll L-O-V-E it, too! ;)

    What a fabulous party! Makes me want to host a party on my blog, too!

    ~Amber

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  63. SANDRA~ Oh, I'm so sorry! I had a feeling that something like that would happen. I hope the airport people weren't too mad, but what a wake up call, right? Julie is truly, one of the best authors I've ever had the pleasure of getting to know. And her books are FANTASTIC!

    MARY (again)~ Compromising photos? Huh oh! Julie, you better watch out;) And aren't all of Julie's kissing scenes memorable?

    HANNAH~ I thought you were talking about Amber, too. But, then I realized that you mean't the borders employee.;)

    AMBER~ I wish you Mom could over-night the book too you. I can't wait to hear what you think of it, even if I'm positive your going to think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. *GRIN*
    Oh and could you please send me your college dorm address, so I can send you Ruth's book directly to you?

    Love Y'all,
    Ashley

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  65. THANK Y'ALL so much for coming last night!!! I really hope you enjoyed all the food, dancing and getting to take with Julie. Y'all made this party SO memorable for both Julie and I, that now I can't wait to throw a release party for A Heart Revealed, book #2 in the Winds Of Change series. Now, if only it wasn't coming out a year from now *pout,pout*;)

    Thank you Julie, for writing such wonderful books. They are so rich in detail, romance and above all, God. And you are just the icing on the red-velvet-cake-of-wonderfulness. I can't believe you replied to each and every one of the comments, but again, thats the type of person you are. You are so sweet, caring and you have a passion for God like none I've ever seen before. Thank you for writing books the way you do and (if I may be so bold) being such a great friend! And if we ever meet in person, I hope you know that I plan to sit down with you, settle in for a few hours and just talk. Of course, I'm sure you'll get tired of my mindless chatter after only 2 minutes. ;)
    Love Y'all so much!!
    ~Ashley

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  66. ASHLEY honey, this has been SO much fun, I cannot tell you! Thank you again for all the time you took to write and host this wonderful party -- I will remember this for a long, long time ... which is saying something with MY memory!! :)

    I hope and pray we get to meet someday, my friend, because you have been a total blessing in my life.

    Oh, and by the way, regarding Charity and the hint you wanted??? Uh, can you say "cat fight"???

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  67. *slaps forehead*

    I can't believe I didn't think of Steven! Is he still here? I need to steal one real quick while everyone cleans up. Don't worry I WILL help............ Maybe. *grin*

    You threw a great party Ashley! My toes are still tapping, such fun, fun, fun, fun!!!!!!

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  68. Gosh darn, I missed the party!!!! Oh well, I'll stick around and help clean up. They left a real mess here, didn't they? And the dishes. OY! A Hope Undaunted was before paper plates and dishwashers wasn't it??? Sigh! Can my dog come and help us? He can lick a plate clean in a nanosecond! LOL. Great party blog, Ashley. I have my copy of Hope Undaunted on order and it better come in asap or I'll expire right here on the spot! And then who will do the dishes for you??????

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