Journal Jots – Blog

Welcome to my Journal Jots blog! This is a broad mix of what’s on my mind, allowing me to feel a little bit closer to some of the most important people in my life—YOU! From news on sales, freebies, giveaways, new releases, and excerpts from works in progress … to my thoughts on my walk with God, daily devotionals, or photos of my family, this is where you’ll find the most current glimpse into my books and my life. I invite you to subscribe in the “subscribe” box on the right side of this page to automatically receive an email whenever I post a blog. Till then, God bless and HAPPY READING!

♥️ February 14, 2024 ♥️

 

🩷A Quick Reminder!

 

GABE’S GOING FREE FOR FIVE DAYS ONLY— FEBRUARY 14-18 — SO PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!

AND … those of you who haven’t read her story yet have no excuse because it is the perfect kick-off for this exciting 4.7⭐️ series that leads up to the piece de resistance of this series and one of my top-fave books I’ve ever written—A Dare and a Prayer!Here’s the truly dramatic TRAILER/VIDEO my very talented hubby did if you haven’t seen it yet!

SO … head on over to Amazon FEBRUARY 14-18 for a FREE DOWNLOAD of A Wing and a Prayer at the following link, then check out the reviews that follow:

A WING AND A PRAYER

FREE DOWNLOAD HERE!


♥️ “
A fun and wild ride … enjoy the ride!” — Sarah Sundin, award-winning WW2 author

♥️ “A Wing and a Prayer isn’t just a great novel, it’s an epic story that follows star-crossed lovers through the dangerous times of World War II”MaryLu Tyndall, award-winning author of Legacy of the King’s Pirates.

♥️ “A Wing and a Prayer is set against a thrilling stretch of time. Two characters at odds with each other … with an attraction so powerful it can’t be resisted, though they certainly try.” —Mary Connealy, award-winning author of Brides of Hope Mountain Series

♥️ “Julie Lessman is a masterful author. A Wing And A Prayer … is a powerful Christian historical novel that explores love and trust in God in times of war.” –The Christian Bookaholic

♥️A Wing and a Prayer is a well-researched, captivating glimpse into life during World War 2 … a fun but meaningful romance from the Kissing Queen herself, A Wing and a Prayer is a must-read for fans of Sundin, Breslin, and Gohlke! –Reading is my SuperPower Blog

 

🩷And … Don’t Forget Hope & Henry are on Sale Too!

FREE DOWNLOAD ON BK 1, A WING AND A PRAYER HERE!

$2.99 SALE ON BK 2, A HOPE AND A PRAYER HERE!

$4.99 SALE ON  BK 3, A DARE AND A PRAYER HERE!

 

♥️ HUGS AND HAPPY READING!

Julie

February 4, 2024


SO … WHAT HAVE I BEEN UP TO?

VALENTINE’S MONTH SALES AND GIFT-CARD GIVEAWAY!

VALENTINE’S DAY FREE DOWNLOAD!

WRITER’S CRAFT 5.0 NOW 99% OFF & 3-CHAPTER EDIT!

DENISE HUNTER ARC PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY!

BOOKS ON MY NIGHTSTAND!

Read the following components from prior blog including excerpt from Henry’s story HERE!

 

♥️ So … What Have I been Up To?

WHOO-HOO … Happy 2024, Everyone AND Happy Valentine’s Month — I hope your holidays were as wonderful as mine!

We visited Omaha and Birmingham for Christmas with both sets of grands, then St. Louis with Keith’s fam before we headed south to Florida for more quality time with my fam, so we are blessed.

Haven’t done a lot of writing other than a bit here and there on my devotional, which I hope to finish this spring before tackling my next novel.

Uh, and what will that “next novel” be? Well, I’m sorry to say your guess is as good as mine because for the first time in my writing career of 15 years, I have NO CLUE what I am going to write next! Up until now, God has always given me a clear path to the next book, but this time I’ve hit a wall even though I’ve prayed about it nonstop. In my spirit, I feel like He’s basically told me that until I finish the devotional that He has mandated I write (on which I’ve been dragging my feet since I don’t like to read or write nonfiction), He will not give me the next book to begin.

Sigh.

Yes, I do have some sketchy ideas here and there and would love your opinion of the following options if you are so inclined.

1.) I can continue on with Mitch and Charity’s family, finishing up with Winnie and Julia OR …

2.) I can go the O’Connor chronological-cousin route by writing a trilogy about Faith and Collin’s girls.

3.) I can finally finish up the Silver Lining Ranch Series with Book 3, Love’s Silver Spoon (in keeping with Book 1, Love’s Silver Lining, and Book 2, Love’s Silver Bullet), which will be both Shaylee and Dash’s love stories with both Gray and Grace) OR …

4.) Embark on a new historical series set in post-Civil War Charleston which I’ve been tossing around in my mind for a year or so. It will be called A Candle in the Dark and it is about a genteel and classic widow in her late 30s who is the head of an exclusive girl’s school and pursued by a no-nonsense Police Chief. Their love story will be similar in tone to Cait and Logan from The Heart of San Francisco Series, a secondary mature love story that overarches an entire trilogy (like Cait and Logan’s), which then focuses on three younger teachers at the girl’s school and the love interests they encounter.

So … what would YOU like to see me write??

AS FAR AS WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO PERSONALLY?  Well, as you can see from the montage below, LOTS of fun with my six grand kids and their parents from being jailed in Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri … to a hair-raising venture at the St. Louis Magic House … and finally Estero, Florida! Also, I am now a “pickle-ball widow” since my husband has gone over the edge on that very addictive sport, which actually is okay by me since he gets more exercise and I get more time to write! 😉

 

And finally, I couldn’t resist a few pics of the only “baby” I have left among my grands (she just turned two!), Miss Millie Jules, who I must admit, made me both deleriously happy and guilty when she was disappointed that her mom picked her up from daycare rather than Juju per the second picture below.

 

♥️Valentines Month Sales & Contest!

Because it’s Valentine’s month, I decided to run some sales on my latest series, The Cousins O’Connor. PLUS there will be a drawing for a $20 Amazon gift card (see details below), so if you haven’t read them yet, now’s your chance as these will be the lowest prices of the season on this 4.7⭐️ WW2 Series, even for my latest release, A Dare and a Prayer, which has been reduced by $2.00, so get it before it goes back up.

♥️ ATTENTION THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY READ THE SERIES. If you liked this series but haven’t yet posted a review on Amazon, I would sooooooooo appreciate a brief (1- or 2-line review is great!) saying you liked it and you can even post the same generic review for all three books. And if you DO post a review for all three books, let me know so I can send you your choice of a free indie e-book, okay? PLUS … your name goes in the hat for a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

♥️ ATTENTION GOODREADS READERS WHO HAVE POSTED REVIEWS FOR THIS SERIES ON GOODREADS, BUT NOT ON AMAZON. Those of you who have read it and have left a review on Goodreads but not Amazon, I would love for you to just copy and paste your Goodreads review on Amazon because that’s where the rubber meets the road for authors as far as book sales go. And if you DO post a review for all three books, let me know so I can send you your choice of a free indie e-book, okay? PLUS … your name goes in the hat for a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

$ .99 SALE ON BOOK 1, A WING AND A PRAYER

$2.99 SALE ON BOOK 2, A HOPE AND A PRAYER

$4.99 SALE ON  BOOK 3, A DARE AND A PRAYER:

 

♥️ Free Valentine’s Day Download 5 Days Only!

YEP … GABE’S GOING FREE FOR FIVE DAYS ONLY— FEBRUARY 14-18 — so those of you who haven’t read her story yet have no excuse because it is the perfect kick-off for this exciting 4.7⭐️ series that leads up to the piece de resistance of this series and one of my top-fave books I’ve ever written—A Dare and a Prayer!


Here’s the truly dramatic TRAILER/VIDEO my very talented hubby did if you haven’t seen it yet!

SO … mark your calendar for FEBRUARY 14-18 for a FREE DOWNLOAD of A Wing and a Prayer HERE, then, check out these reviews:

♥️ “A fun and wild ride … enjoy the ride!” — Sarah Sundin, award-winning WW2 author

♥️ “A Wing and a Prayer isn’t just a great novel, it’s an epic story that follows star-crossed lovers through the dangerous times of World War II”MaryLu Tyndall, award-winning author of Legacy of the King’s Pirates.

♥️ “A Wing and a Prayer is set against a thrilling stretch of time. Two characters at odds with each other … with an attraction so powerful it can’t be resisted, though they certainly try.” —Mary Connealy, award-winning author of Brides of Hope Mountain Series

♥️ “Julie Lessman is a masterful author. A Wing And A Prayer … is a powerful Christian historical novel that explores love and trust in God in times of war.” –The Christian Bookaholic

♥️A Wing and a Prayer is a well-researched, captivating glimpse into life during World War 2 … a fun but meaningful romance from the Kissing Queen herself, A Wing and a Prayer is a must-read for fans of Sundin, Breslin, and Gohlke! –Reading is my SuperPower Blog


ATTN WRITERS! Writer’s Craft 5.0 Farewell Sale Feb. 6-13: Win a 3-Chapter Edit from Yours Truly!

So … my good buddies over at Infostack just released their latest writing super stack, Writer’s Craft 5.0!  This incredible writer’s resource is packed with over 35+ top-tier resources from bestselling authors (including my writers’ workbook, Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Inspirational and Sweet Markets), book coaches, and editors valued at a cool $5,700+.

But here’s the deal – they’re offering it at a massive 99% off this week ONLY!

Be sure to mark your calendar for this Tuesday, February 6th through Tuesday, February 13 when the sale begins to check back here for the link to access this amazing deal.

HERE’S THE LINK TO CHECK IT OUT ON TUESDAY, FEB. 6!

PLUS … if you purchase the Writer’s Craft 5.0 Infostack materials, you are automatically entered to win a 3-chapter edit from me whenever you’re ready.

So … be a Writing Pro – Get your bundle before it’s gone!

 

Denise Hunter Arc Giveaway

My good friend Denise Hunter has a new book coming out on March 12 called LOVE UNSCRIPTED, and she is giving away one ARC copy to one lucky winner who has never read any of her books before.

So … if you have never read Denise before (and I have to ask why because not only is she one of my favorite authors, but she’s one of the CBA’s best-selling authors as well), then you are eligible to enter for yourself OR someone you know who reads Christian romance, but has never read Denise before.

Simply send me an email via the CONTACT JULIE tab on my website to give me your name or the name of someone for whom you’d like to win the book, and you’re in the draw! I will announce the winner in my next Journal Jot blog.

And honestly, check out this blurb, because it sounds like an AWESOME plot:

 During the filming of her book-to-movie adaptation,
an author finds herself falling for the swoonworthy hero she created.

 

Books on my Nightstand!

I’ve got some prettttty amazing books on my nightstand that I have read or am getting ready to read, so have you read any of these? If not, I highly recommend each of these authors because they are some of my faves!

 

IF I DREAM by Anne Perrault:
A VERY unique and fascinating love story that takes place in Arabia!

Her destiny is determined by her family.
Her dreams are overshadowed by her duty.
Until, one night, it all changes…

 

THE BEST SUMMER OF OUR LIVES by Rachel Hauck:

All the romance, heartache, and hope of the best summer ever. Celebrate the songs of our hearts, the joys of love, and the threads of friendship that tie us all together…

 

 

 

THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE by Laura Frantz:

In a land torn apart by conflict, can love mend the tattered pieces?

 

 

 

WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS by Elizabeth Camden:

Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.

 

 

 

THE RESOLUTE by MaryLu Tyndall:

Swashbuckling adventure. Swoony romance. Danger and intrigue and a fast paced plot. It’s all here, folks. But the best of all is the message of hope and faith that shines like sunlight on the high seas. A satisfying conclusion to this piratey series! —Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Man of Shadow and Mist

 

ROCKY ROAD by Becky Wade:

Escape to Maine for this swoon-worthy “fake romance”! Banter, humor, perfume, and a mystery from the past intertwine in this sweet Sons of Scandal love story.

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023

 

NEWSFLASH!

Price for 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Dare and a Prayer
Goes Up November 1st! 

Due to a BookBub commitment, I had to keep my new release, A Dare and a Prayer at the pre-order discount price during October, but come November 1st, the price goes up, so take advantage to get this 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ novel that’s drawing amazing reviews like the following:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “LESSMAN HAS CRAFTED AN EXQUISITE MASTERPIECE! This novel is a must read for those who are praying and believing for prodigals to come home. Henry and Amy’s story is edgy and raw. However, hope softly whispers though the pages. Lessman has gracefully handled the child trafficking issue. This is not an easy story but a necessary one. It is Ms. Lessman’s best work to date!”— Caryl Kane, Amazon reviewer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Five plus stars is what I will be giving A Dare and a Prayer. I believe fans of historical romance with strong emphasis of strong women during the World War II era, will definitely want to give this one a read.” — Locks, Hooks, & Books blog

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The spiritual lessons pack a punch, they convict, they remind, they are full of the rich truths of God’s Word. When I finished the last page I literally wanted to go back and read it again because I missed the characters so much.” — My Favorite Pastime blog

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I cannot give enough praise for Julie Lessman’s newest book, A Dare and A Prayer. This is by far her best novel yet. She delivers big on the romance, character arc, and justice.” —LiteraryScape

BUY E-BOOK HERE
BUY PAPERBACK HERE

Free Download for 5 Days Only
on A Wing and a Prayer!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 1-5! Because those are the only dates that book 1, A Wing and a Prayer, is available for FREE DOWNLOAD November 1-5, so if you haven’t read it yet—now is a golden opportunity to do so! Check out the reviews below:

💙 “A fun and wild ride!” —Sarah Sundin, award-winning WW2 author

💙 “A Wing and a Prayer isn’t just a great novel, it’s an epic story that follows star-crossed lovers through the dangerous times of World War II”MaryLu Tyndall, award-winning author of Legacy of the King’s Pirates.

💙 “A Wing and a Prayer is set against a thrilling stretch of time. Two characters at odds with each other … with an attraction so powerful it can’t be resisted, though they certainly try.” —Mary Connealy, award-winning author of Brides of Hope Mountain Series

💙 “Julie Lessman is a masterful author. A Wing And A Prayer … is a powerful Christian historical novel that explores love and trust in God in times of war.” –The Christian Bookaholic

💙 “A Wing and a Prayer is a well-researched, captivating glimpse into life during World War 2 … a fun but meaningful romance from the Kissing Queen herself, A Wing and a Prayer is a must-read for fans of Sundin, Breslin, and Gohlke! –Reading is my SuperPower Blog
FREE DOWNLOADHERENOVEMBER 1-5, 2023

FREE DOWNLOAD HERE NOVEMBER 1-5

 

$1.99 e-Sale on 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book 2,
A Hope & A Prayer!

💙”INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL, INTENSE, AND HEART-POUNDING BOOK! Julie Lessman is my very favorite writer … Nobody writes better. Nobody … Julie is The Very Best!!!” —Amazon reviewer

💙 “JULIE LESSMAN DOESN’T WRITE COZY CHRISTIAN NOVELS. She writes gritty realistic stories showing struggles and temptations that will resonate with modern audiences. —Christian Bookaholic Blog

💙 “HEARTBROKEN TO BE FINISHED! I devoured this book in pretty much 2 sittings which is saying something with 3 little kids running around.” —Amazon reviewer

💙 “GRIPPING AND EMOTIONAL … another difficult to put down book from Julie Lessman! —CoffeeBreakBooks

BUY E-BOOK HERE
BUY PAPERBACKHERE

 

The O’Connors are ON SALE for Christmas!

For only 99¢ each, you can catch up with the O’Connors for the holidays! I’m not a fan of novellas, which is why mine are more like little novels than novellas, so I hope you check them out. NOTE: The Christmas books are listed in chronological order.

BUY A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW HERE
(Marcy and Patrick’s prequel love story)

BUY A WHISPER OF HOPE HERE
(Charity and Mitch’s Christmas love story)

BUY THE BEST GIFT OF ALL HERE
(Lizzie and Brady’s Christmas love story)

BUY A DREAM FULFILLED HERE
(Katie and Luke’s Christmas love story)

BUY A GIFT LIKE NO OTHER HERE
(Faith and Collin’s Christmas love story)

BUY THE PROMISE OF HOPE HERE
(Emma and Sean’s Christmas love story)

HUGS!

JULIE

 

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