Revell Blog Tour: A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

It seems as if I'm always the last one. Last one to be at a party, last one to read a great book, even the last one to be born (in my family, at least). This is why I don't think I could ever become a writer. The deadline alone would be my greatest downfall, that and that fact that when I have to write something, I get  a serious case of writers’ block. I've been so out of it this week with school and all, that I can't believe it's taken me this long to post this review, But it in no way reflects on what quality this book is, cause it is truly top-notch.

Title: A Hope Undaunted (Winds Of Change bk.1)

Author: Julie Lessman
Genre: Historical, Christian, romance
Publisher: Revell Books
Date released: Sept. 1 2010
ISBN: 
Stars (out of 5): *****!
Age rating: PG-15:
 This book is EXTREMELY tense, with plenty of passionate kissing. Because it's during Prohibition, drinking, and alcohol in general, is mentioned. Without giving too much away, the theme of children born out of wedlock is an under lying plot, that adds depth and realisticness to the book.

Back cover (from Revell):
What happens when the boy she loved to hate becomes the man she hates to love?

The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and eating out of her hand. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Luke McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face-to-face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

My Thoughts:
Summer 2009: Just Finished A Passion Denied only to find that Julie's next book called *flips to back of the book* A Hope Undaunted won't be coming out till September OF NEXT YEAR!!! Nooooooooooooo

One year and two months later: Oh My Word!!! I can't believe I finally have Julie's new book in my little southern hands! I swear when I opened the package from Revell, I heard heavenly fan fair. I LOVED A Passion Denied and A Hope Undaunted centers on the littlest O'Connor, Katie Rose. Katie was a spunky little 11 years old, but now at 18 Katie is a modern woman on a mission. To become a laywer, with the perfect husband, and fight for women’s' rights. Queue Luke McGee. The bane of Katie's existence and the man who has captured her heart.


I absolutely LOVE Luke. He is dashing, dangerous and has is fiercely devoted to family and has a passion for God that shines brighter then the sequins on a flapper's dress. Katie is just the opposite. She wants a neat and stable life without any surprises, and list for everything. If it’s not on the list, than it ain't important to Katie, and unfortunately God isn't on it.


Julie Lessman's books once again, take me on an emotional roller coaster with loops of passion and corkscrew intensity. Reading A Hope Undaunted was like coming back from summer camp: You had fun while you were there, but that there is nothing quite like coming home.


Julie fills her books to the brim with historical detail that transports you right into the Roaring 20's and God's undeniable truths. Katie struggles with letting God take control, but both she and Luke both learn that when we try to do things our way, they don't go the way we think they will. And that God has something beyond our comprehension for our future, if we just trust in Him.
A Hope Undaunted is the BEST BOOK so far this year, and if you haven't had the chance to read it yet, I'm telling you, you just gotta! Even if it means shoplifting from B&N (okay, not really, but you get the idea).
I would definitely recommend any and all of Julie's books, especially this one.

*Many thanks to Donna Hauler @Revell for sending me a review copy of A Hope Undaunted. This review is my honest opinion of this book and I am in no any compensation for a good review from the publisher and/or the author.*





Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

To learn more about Julie Lessman ans her books go to:

The Publisher

Her Website

Goodreads.

And make sure to go to her websites side bar and click  Journal Jots to  check out her new blog/diary she has started. They're uplifting and convicting and always fun to read.




Oh and I almost forgot, Julie is hosting a great giveaway event. This is the official description (not written by me).

It's a Giveaway Extravaganza! Kindle Giveaway, Facebook Party and Book Bomb - OH MY!

Visit the Roaring 20’s with Julie Lessman in the Technology and Romance KINDLE Giveaway! Julie’s latest series has just ‘shimmied’ it’s way onto the scene with book 1 in The Winds of Change series, A Hope Undaunted!

Enter The Technology and Romance KINDLE Giveaway!
One Grand Prize winner will receive a KINDLE preloaded with Julie Lessman's latest title. The Prize Pack (valued at over $150.00) includes:
* A brand new KINDLE, with Wi-Fi
* A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form and be sure to tell your friends about the contest.
Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on October 7th.


Not only is Julie hosting the fabulous KINDLE giveaway, but also a FACEBOOK PARTY and a BOOK BOMB!!!


How does a gift certificate and a signed book given away EVERY 10 minutes during an hour-long Facebook party sound? (Yeah, we think it sounds pretty great too!) On October 7th at 5pm PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST, & 8:00 EST) Julie is inviting you to attend the A Hope Undaunted Facebook Party! She'll announce the winner of the KINDLE and in addition to the prizes every 10 minutes, she'll also be giving away great prize baskets filled with even more Romance and Technology (Netflix, Starbucks, Amazon.com, Champagne body Lotion, Pearls, & more!)!
BUT WAIT … there’s more (and no, this is not an infomercial … it’s WAY better!). If you participate in the Book Bomb on October 7th you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com. All you need to do to participate is buy a copy of A Hope Undaunted on October 7th and send your receipt (just transaction number from store, store name & date) to amy@litfusegroup.com! Each book purchased equals one entry, buy 10 books get 10 entries!
September 19-25: A Hope Undaunted will be making an appearance on blogs across the country (and beyond!) in Revell's blog tour!
September 20th: The Technology and Romance KINDLE Giveaway launches (contest runs 9/20 - 10/6)
October 7th: Book Bomb Day (where everyone is encouraged to buy the book online at the same time!) and Facebook Party - meet and chat with Julie, win some great prizes & find out who won the KINDLE!
Want to help us spread the word about all this fun and be entered to win a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate?
Share Julie's Giveaway Extravaganza on Facebook, Twitter or your blog and we'll enter your name into our random drawing to win 50 smackers to Amazon.com!

If you've read AHU, I'd love to hear what you think!
I hope Y'all have a GREAT weekend.
Love Y'all,
Ashley