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

WINNERS!!!

I don’t know about y’all, but my feet are about to kill for all the dancing I did at the AHU release party a few nights ago. That was some party though.;)  I think I gained about 10 lbs.  just from eating all that red velvet cake.
And maybe it’s just my imagination, but I think I can still here the band playing a tune or two. *winks*


Before I announce the winners for both the Countdown To A Hope Undaunted giveaway and the surprise giveaway of signed copy of AHU, that Julie herself is donating, I just wanted to thank everyone --so much-- for entering both of the contests. There was such a tremendous response on the posts, and I just hope I'll get to see y'all the next time I'm hosting a giveaway!

Okay, so now onto the winners...
The first place winner of the Countdown To A Hope Undaunted is ...*drum roll*...

HANNAH (Project Journal)!!!
Congrats Hannah. I'll be e-mailing you soon to get your address and to know which three of the six books you would like.

The second place winner --who will receive the remaining three books--, is....

TAMMY (bluerose)!!!
Congrats Tammy. Be on the lookout for my e-mail, as well, okay?

Now, onto the winner of a signed copy of A Hope Undaunted... The winner is...*dramatic drum roll*....

MICHELLE!!!
I will be e-mail Julie your e-mail addy, and she will get in contact with you.

Congratulations to Y'all, ladies. I sincerely hope that you will love your new books and that you come back for my next giveaway, whenever that may be.

Love Y'all,

Ashley.

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!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #1 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010!!

Okay y’all, it’s almost here. The release of A Hope Undaunted is just around the corner, but before we get there, I thought we could start a reader’s discussion about what we hope to see and story theories we may have, about AHU. To get the ball rolling, I'm going bring up some things I know I've been dying to find out about since finishing A Passion Denied.

1) I've been biting my finger nails down to their stubs wondering how Lizzie and Brady are doing. I mean, we barely got to see them as a married couple in APD, are they still together (with Julie at the helm of the proverbial writers keyboard, I'm sure they'll have a more then passionate marriage in AHU;), how many kids they have, and all that jazz.

2) Will Katie ever sees Cluny as anything other than an orphaned street rat?  I’m thinking yes, but again, with Julie’s writing, there is bound to be some cat and mouse for a while, but that in the end, Katie will see Cluny for he really is.  

3) What will Cluny/Luke be like in AHU? Do you think he will still be as cocky and obnoxious as ever?  

4) Do you think we'll get to meet new characters that will 'grandfather" over to Julie's next book? I'm hoping so, because that is the best part of reading books in a series. 5)I‘ve noticed that in almost every one of Julie's books,  just when you think the hero is about to get the girl or visa versa, something catastrophic  happens  and rips  the couple apart at the seems (i.e. World War I, catches sister kissing fiancée,  finds out girl isn’t pregnant etc..)

6) Do you think it’s a pattern? Do you think Julie puts events like that, in her books to test the relationships of her characters? Or is there another reason, I haven't thought of yet?

7) Do you think Julie’s books could be  just as wonderful, without all the tension?
I think the day Julie Lessman doesn’t have heaps of tension in her books, is the day FAA will allow swine to man a 747 freighter airplane (a.k.a the day pigs fly) and I don't think her book would be  

6) If you were the youngest child of six, do you think you would be anything like Katie? Would you be a spoiled brat, who is always given whatever he or she wants?  

 Okay, well it kind of goes with out saying, but to keep in with the theme of the past week, my #1 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010 is...  

 
  A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman  

Back cover (from Julie's website):  

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 Cluny 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?


Why it's my #1 Can't-Wait-Read of 2010? That's a no-brainer! I ab-so-lu-tely !!LOVE!! Mrs. Lessman's books, and I  love her as a person. She is so sweet and has so much a passion for God, that it practically flows over and into her books, which is why their so good.  I just can't say anymore about how good her book are,  without sounding like a crazed fan,  which isn't all that untrue. ;)   

Today's Verses: Psalm 21: 4-7
 ⁴He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.⁵His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him. ⁶For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.⁷For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.


Ok Y'all, what is your #1 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010? It better be A Hope Undaunted, because otherwise you're no longer welcomed to my blog... Just kidding, I’d never shun those who (as Renee would say) have questionable taste in literature. LOL; D And remember; join me tomorrow afternoon for the A Hope Undaunted release party. I hope Y’all will be able to make it and that you have a great time. Oh, and there is a special surprise waiting for one lucky commenter, if join in the fun with us tomorrow!

Love Y’all, 

Ashley

  !!!! A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT TOMORROW!!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #2 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

Phew! I've been practicing the Charleston all day, and I now finally took this chance to sit down for a spell...or two. All that flapping around, really takes it out of a body. ;)

But, as I was trying to maser the step-shuffle-dip dance step, I realized that I should probably have some snappy music to dance along too. Now, big band and jazz music are my two favorite types of music. And a party has got to have some jazzy music to dance too. So here are a couple of my favorite jazz songs.

                                                                                                                                                                          

Now, for my #2 Read-Wait-To-Read of 2010...

 

A Heart Surrender by M.L Tyndall.

Back cover (M.L. Tyndall's website)

On the brink of the War of 1812, Marianne Denton must marry

to unlock her inheritance. Without the money, her mother can't receive medical care and her sister will be destitute. But Noah Brenin needs to sail his cargo to England before the war commences in order to prove his worth to his father and make enough money so he won't have to marry at all.

Defying his father's wishes, Noah loathes the idea of marrying a woman he finds plain and pompous. Marianne wants nothing to do with the rogue who taunted her as a child, yet she must convince him otherwise or her mother will die. But when Noah walks out on their engagement party, Marianne chases him down and ends up on his merchantman out at sea. The situation worsens when Noah's ship encounters a British man-of-war and the couple are impressed into the British navy. While a young lad's prophecy of destiny looms over them both, Marianne and Noah are forced to face their darkest fears as they desperately try to find a way to escape and fulfill their destinies-destinies that could change the course of the war and history forever

Why I'm waiting for this read?BOOK EXTRA!

I've read all but one of Mrs. Tyndall's books, and I've loved every one of them. Her books consist of high sea adventure mixed with a sweeping tidal wave of romance. It's the perfect combination, IMO. And I think she just gets better and better with each book she writes.

Here is a great book trailer for A Heart Surrender I found on this WEBSITE dedicated to Christian book trailer. How fun, right?

Today's Verses:

7And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot. 8Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls. 9For her wound is incurable; for it is come unto Judah; he is come unto the gate of my people, even to Jerusalem

I'd love to know what Y'all's #2 CWTR of 2010 is.

Oh, it makes my day to know what your favorite Pirate movie/book is and what your favorite song is (and if you have too many to choose from,  that's fine)

Love Y'all,

Ashley

!!!!ONLY 1 MORE DAY (NOT CONUTING TODAY), TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #3 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

Good evening y’all. I hope you had a wonderful Sunday full of worship and praise to God and His Son. I’m sorry I didn’t post this earlier, but today has just been so full, that I haven’t been able to get o my computer.
I love all the dresses y’all choose, but I just remembered I still haven't figured which one I'm going to wear! YIKES!! I better pick one soon, because the party is only 2 days away. I hope y’all are excited.
So, now that we all got some pretty nifty ”glad rags” to ware, it only seems natural that we brush up on our dancing skills, right? Cause, what’s a party without dancing?

Click on the video below to see the one of my favorite dances, and the one I'm sure Katie Rose O'Connor was dancing way back then, in action!

So, what did you think of the dancing? Think you can “swing it” with the best of them?
I know I’ve got a lot more practice to do, before I get any wild ideas about actually dancing in front of *gulp* people.I don’t know if I’ll ever get the hang of the Charleston, that’s for sure.

But, enough of that, onto my #4 Can’t-Wait-To-Read of 2010…


  Maid To Match by Deeanne Gist

Back cover (from Bethany House):

Falling in Love Could Cost Her Everything
From the day she arrives at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled--by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in proper servant etiquette, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid. After all, the one rule of the house is no romance below stairs.

But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangled in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs, their aspirations ...and their hearts.

Why it’s my #4 Can’t-Wait-To-Read?

I LOVE Mrs. Gist's books, so I knew I just had to read this one. Having to choose between working at the largest homes in America or following your heart, makes for one of the best story plots, right? LOL;)And the fact that it’s set in NC where I came from, is just icing on the cake.

Today’s Verses: Romans 3:28-31

28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29) Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30) Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31) Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law

So tell me, if you had to pick a style of dancing you most enjoy, what would it be?

Love Y’all,

Ashley

!!!!!ONLY 2 MORE DAYS UNTIL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #4 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

Yesterday, I asked Y'all 2 questions from each of Julie's books, and you guys were super close to the answers. But, today I'm going to reveal the answers.
Ready?
Q1. Where was it, that Faith first saw Charity and Collin kissing?
A1. On the back porch of the O'Connor home

Q2.True of False: Faith had a limp because when she was a child, she contracted malaria.
A2.False. Faith had a limp due to having polio as a child

Q3. What lie did Mitch force Charity to tell when they got onto the boat heading to Boston?
A2. That they were husband and wife.

Q4. What did the O'Connors called their great-grandmother?
A.4. Mima

Q5. What was Lizzie's best friend's name, and who was her boyfriend?
A5. Millie and her boyfriend named Frank.

Q6. What song did Lizzie walk down the aisle to?
A6. Ava Marie.

Most of these question were just so obscure that, you'd never know the answer unless you had the book right in front of you. I'm sorry, that was my fault:(

It's time to prepare for the party. And since it's going to be an authetnice 1930's party, what dress should I ware? Hmm.. how about this? Maybe this.....
How about even this?


What would you ware? Leave a comment with a link to the picture of the 1930's dress you would ware. At the release party, I'll post all Y'alls' dresses for everyone to see.

Now for my #4 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010...


First Love by Michelle Sutton

Back cover (from Desert Breeze publishing):
Josiah and Tara had enjoyed acting in their high school plays. They had also been each other's first lover... in fact; most of the time they'd spent together had been in Tara's bed. When Josiah became a Christian, he left Tara to go to college and didn't look back.
Four years later, Josiah is back in town when his father has a near-fatal heart attack. When they meet up again they realize how much their separation had hurt each of them. But now Tara is a Christian and is trying to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Josiah wants Tara back, but neither knows how to relate to each other without the physical intimacy they once shared. They are determined to do things right this time, but find it more challenging than they'd anticipated.


Why it's my #4 Can't-Wait-To-Read?
:When I was looking up the cover art for First Impressions by Michelle Sutton, I saw that she has a second book coming out in that series called First Love, and when I saw it I knew I'd found a new can't-wait-to-read.
Available online Oct.1 2010

Today's Verses: Ecclesiastes 6:9-12

⁹Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

¹⁰That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

¹¹Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

¹²For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

Love Y'all,
Ashley

!!!!ONLY 3 MORE DAYS TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #5 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

Hey Y'all!

I have loved reading your responses to my "Lessman" questions and I hope you've enjoyed answering them; but today I'm going to test your knowledge of Julie's books, by asking you some trivia questions. The person who gets all question correct, will get two extra entries put into the giveaway hat.

Y'all ready?Q1. Where was it, that Faith first saw Charity and Collin kissing?
Q2.True of False: Faith had a limp because when she was a child, she contracted malaria.
Q3. What lie did Mitch force Charity to tell when they got onto the boat heading to Boston?
Q4. What did the O'Connors called their great-grandmother?

Q5. What was Lizzie's best friend's name, and who was her boyfriend?
Q6. What song did Lizzie walk down the aisle to?


So, my #6 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010 is...

Second Chance Brides by Vickie Mcdonough

Back cover (from Barbour Publishing)

Fans of The Anonymous Bride, will feel for Shannon O’Neil and Leah Bennett who are stranded in Lookout, Texas, without husbands or future plans. Thankfully, the marshal has ordered the rascally Corbett brothers to pay for the women’s lodging at the boardinghouse, but will the brothers’ idea of hosting Saturday socials really bring these women the kind of loves they long for? Will Shannon choose to marry just for security? Will Leah reject love when the challenges mount?


Why it's my #5 Can't-Wait-To-Read?
I read Vickie Mcdonough's Anonymous Bride and I feel in love with her writing. It was fresh, witty and just the perfect book to read when you want to get away from the everyday.



Today's Verses:
⁵Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
⁶Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
⁷Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
⁸The Lord GOD, which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.


So, what's Y'alls' #5 Can't-Wait-To-Read?
I'd love to know what other books I'm missing;)
Love Y'all,
Ashley

!!!!ONLY 4 MORE DAYS TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #6 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

Okay guys, so if you've read my "mini" bio, you know I'm home schooled and have been for my whole life. But today, I'm off to my first day of school. Well... it's not exactly "school, school", but it's is an intensive one-day class for both Biology and Algebra. So, I'm asking Y'all that if you find you got time, spear a prayer for me and just ask God to please help me to use a little more sense than what He gave a goose. I could really use it. :)

Now, onto today's Lessman question (hey, that rhymed. LOL):

If Julie asked you to come up with the next bad-boy-turned-good hero for her latest book, who would you come up with? What would be his name? His age? His favorite hobby? And tell me a little bit of his history.

My bad-boy-turned-good hero profile:


Name: Micah Weatherly
Age: 27
Favorite hobby: Brooding, looking angry and making boxing.
Life story: Coming from a broken home, Micah sets out to find love and acceptance, in the arms of his high school sweetheart. After Micah finds out his girlfriend is pregnant with his child, he runs away, looking for away out of that mess. Flash forward 7 years to 1920, Micah returns from horrors untold, to find that, not only has his old girlfriend and his son left New York for Ireland, but the time away has made him a hard man, who knows to well, the trials of life. He doesn't believe God can salvage any piece of his battered soul, though he goes to church most every Sunday. It just seems as if the words just don't make it far enough from the Pastor's lips, to reach Micah and his withered heart.

Micah is definitely not a man you'd want to come a cross in a dark alley or even a church, for that matter.

"Y'all don't have make your hero profile as long, mine is just an example."


And here is my #6 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010...

First Impressions by Michelle Sutton

Back cover (from Desert Breeze):
Sammie Carpenter understands how a uniform influences behavior. Wearing her Army fatigues puts her in the mindset of a soldier and donning her Class-A Uniform always helps her shift into Captain Mode. So what harm could come from her dressing like a saloon girl and strutting through the streets of Tombstone? She didn't know how to flirt to save her life, and she wasn't getting any younger.

When she met the lonesome stud cowboy, Jimmy, she knew he was the one. So why was their communication always so awkward? Couldn't he see that she was interested in him? No matter how hard she tried to win him over, she couldn't seem to get him to see past his first impression of her. But Sammie didn't give up easily. Somehow she would make him see that they were meant to be together, but how can she do that when all of her plans keep falling apart?


Why it is my #6 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010?

I loved, loved, LOVED (!!!) Ms. Sutton's first book, It's Not About Me; so, when I found that she had written a historical romance novel, I just had too read it. From the back cover, I know that I'm going to love reading First impressions very much.;)

Today's veres:
²⁰ All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.
²¹ Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?"
²² So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?


So, what is Y'alls' #6 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010?:)

Love Y'all,
Ashley

!!!ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #7 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

We're four days into the Count To A Hope Undaunted, and are all that much closer to getting are hand on A hope Undated. Which will be releasing in less than a week away, now. YEAH!!!:D

Today's question for Y'all is: If you could spend the day with any one of Julie's characters, which one would it be, what would you do and why?

I think I'd like to spend the day with Faith's blind neighbor, Ms.Gerson. I never really a had grandmother, nor a spiritual mentor, so to me, it would be so wonderful just to walk to the park with Mrs.Gerson, talking about everything from the latest fashions, to the second coming of Christ. I think it would be a great time of healing and renewal. But, if Mrs. Gerson happened to have a previous engagement or was to busy, I'd ask Collin if he'd like to go to the library with me, to "study" up on a "certain" foreign language. ;~) LOL

Did I just say that allowed?:~#

Anyways, here is my #7 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010...


Masquerade by Nancy Moser

Backcover (from Bethany House)

They risk it all for adventure and romance, but find that love only flourishes in truth...

1886. Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid Dora. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare.

For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?

Why it's my #7 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010?

The cover is what drew me, but the back cover is what really intrigued me. I love the story of The Prince And Pauper, and Masquerade is that basic story with a romantic twist. And I was recently on Nancy's website, reading up on Masquerade, and I found out that there are 8 gorgeous dress illustrations in the back of the book. What girl wouldn't love looking at historical accurate ball gowns? LOL

So, what is Y'all's #7 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010?

Let me know by leaving a comment below!

Love Ya,

Ashley

!!!ONLY 6 DAYS LEFT TILL A

HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!

VERES FOR THE DAY: Michah 3: 4-8

⁴ Then they will cry out to the LORD, but he will not answer them. At that time he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done.

⁵ This is what the LORD says:

"As for the prophets

who lead my people astray,

if one feeds them,

they proclaim 'peace';

if he does not,

they prepare to wage war against him.

⁶ Therefore night will come over you, without visions,

and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them.

⁷ The seers will be ashamed

and the diviners disgraced.

They will all cover their faces

because there is no answer from God."

⁸ But as for me, I am filled with power,

with the Spirit of the LORD,

and with justice and might,

to declare to Jacob his transgression,

to Israel his sin.