Book Review - "A Hope Undaunted"

Julie Lessman has a new series for fans of hers (and for new readers, like me!) with the first book being "A Hope Undaunted." This is the first book in Lessman's Winds of Change series.
Katie Rose is the youngest child in her family and is determined to not live as her mother or her sisters, living under the rule of their husbands. Katie loves the advances that are being made by women and is going to be one of "those women." Katie has just graduated from high school and plans to attend law school in the fall. Also, her plans include Jack, a man who seems to fit in perfectly with Katie's plans, he has the money, looks, sense of humor and drive that seem to mesh with Katie's plan for her life. Suddenly, Katie finds herself in contact with Luke, or known previously by Katie in earlier years as Cluny, the one kid whom she could not stand. Being forced to do volunteer work this summer by her parents, Katie is working under the supervision of Luke. Given their history and then a new incident, Katie is the opposite of thrilled.
Lessman ties together family relationships, elements of the time period - 1929, and an easy reading style to bring us a wonderful book. This is a great start to a new historical fiction series!

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



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!

Find out more about the book, Julie here.

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.

Enter via E-mail Enter via Facebook Enter via Twitter

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

Are you ready for PRIZES GALORE??? Then come to the Facebook Party!

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!

All this fun begins with Revell’s blog tour SEPTEMBER 19-25, when 122 blogger/reviewers will post reviews about A Hope Undaunted, followed by the Book Bomb and Facebook Party!

So mark your calendars with these important dates:

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!

Once you've tweeted, posted on Facebok or added the button to your blog/website - simple email

href="mailto:amy@litfusegroup.com?subject=I%20posted%20about%20%20Julie%20Lessman%21">Amy and let her know you helped spread the word. Easy.

Here is a sample post for both Twitter/Facebook:

Tweet This: @JulieLessman is giving away a KINDLE and tons more during her giveaway extravaganza! Details here: http://ow.ly/2Czbn Pls RT

Share on Facebook: Julie Lessman is celebrating her new release, A Hope Undaunted by giving away a KINDLE, having a Book Bomb and a Facebook Party! Prizes Galore - don't miss the fun! http://ow.ly/2Czbn

Or add this button to your blog or website! Simply copy and paste the code in the box into the HTML screen of your blog or website. Then email Amy and let her know you did!

A Hope Undaunted Facebook Party


A Hope Undaunted Facebook Party

Book Review - "LOL with God"

Pam Farrel and Dawn Wilson have created a fresh, fun devotional book for women, "LOL with God: devotional messages of hope & humor for women."
Each devotional has a text message that will remind us of God's love and care or be an encouragement to us. Each devotional is short with additional scripture to go along with the message that is shared. A feature I really like is the extra space at the end of each devotional for your reflection and own text.
I recommend this for women who feel that they are short on time but would love devotionals that deliver a lot in a small amount.

*Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a free copy of this book.

Book Review - "Outlive Your Life"

Max Lucado has brought us another wonderful book, "Outlive Your Life." You and me, most of us are just common people, not famous for anything, living our lives day in and day out, yet God can and will use each of us for wonderful and great things!
This would be a great book to use in a small group in addition to reading on your own. The chapters are not long, so they can easily be read at one time and each has scripture to go along with the main idea of the chapter. These are difficult times that we are living in and each of us is dealing with our own challenges, yet we can all make a difference. This book will help each of us on a journey toward making a difference if you choose!

Book Review - "Faithful"

Kim Cash Tate has written a Women of Faith Fiction novel titled "Faithful." This is the perfect title for this book as it tells the story of three women at various stages in their lives and involved in relationships, will they remain faithful to God and continue to trust God's faithfulness?
The book begins with Cydney in the midst of wedding plans...but not for herself, for her younger sister and on her 40th birthday, a double whammy for Cyd, single, turning 40 and the maid of honor for her younger sister. Dana has the perfect marriage until she discovers it is not perfect due to her husband's unfaithfulness. Phyllis longs for her husband to find faith. Life is not always as it seems and does not always turn out as we think, but God is still true and faithful.
Tate's style of writing is very real as it seems you are a part of the story and the characters could be friends of yours. I recommend this as a read to encourage anyone to remain faithful!

Book Review - "Making Waves"

This is NOT your typical historical fiction novel! Lorna Seilstad's novel, "Making Waves" is the first book in the Lake Manawa Summers series. This is set in 1895 at Lake Manawa, Iowa, not the typical setting for historical novels. I found this to be a fresh, enjoyable read - one that is sure to put you into a vacation state of mind!
This is Seilstad's debut novel, and hopefully not her last! I was drawn right into the story and wished that I was one of the elite who made camp at this lake!
Marguerite does not fit the mold that her mother wishes her to fill, luckily her father tends to be on Marguerite's side. Marguerite thrives on adventure and cannot fill the role of the "boring" society lady that is expected of her. This summer seems that it may be the last chance for a reprieve and possible escape from avid suitor Roger - Roger who is perfect for Marguerite according to her mother, but to Marguerite so boring. While at the lake and as a result of a few white lies, Marguerite finds herself spending time with sailing instructor Trip, Trip who is in no way like Roger and Marguerite finds herself falling for Trip. Suddenly, Marguerite's world is tipped upside down when she discovers a secret about her father and she may be forced to endure a life of boredom with Roger.
This is a new author you do not want to miss!!!
“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "Choosing to See"

As a parent, the hardest thing in the world must be to lose a child. This is something I cannot even imagine having to cope with. Mary Beth Chapman (with Ellen Vaughn)shares her life story and the having to deal with the death of a daughter in the book "Choosing to SEE." Mary Beth, wife of singer, Steven Curtis Chapman, never expected to only have a few short years with one of her adopted daughters, however this was part of God's plan for the Chapman Family. Filled with pictures and ancetodes, heartaches and joyous occasions, "Choosing to SEE" allows the reader intimate access to the Chapman family. Mary Beth shares her heart and in the process will help the reader to still rely on God through the good times and the bad.

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