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Review and Giveaway: "Isle of Hope" by Julie Lessman

11/2/2015

10 Comments

 
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Book Blurb:

She stole his heart.
He stole her peace.
Can hope steal their pain?

At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack Carmichael, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope, turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can a turning of tables—and hearts—lead the way back to “hope” for them all?

My Thoughts:

What a sweet, sweet story! I've been a fan of Julie's historical romances for years and wondered whether she could write contemporary romance as well. Isle of Hope, her first foray into contemporary romance, was even better than I could have imagined and I loved every minute of it!

After reading the first chapter, I couldn't imagine how Julie was going to pull a happily-ever-after out of this one, but I was delighted to be proven wrong. :)

Full of the sizzling romance and heart-rending emotional roller coasters that I've come to expect from a Lessman book, Isle of Hope tells a tangled web of a story from several viewpoints.

If I could describe this book in one word, it would be "restoration." There are so many broken relationships in the beginning of this story, but, one by one, each is restored in a beautiful and poignantly refreshing show of God's grace and love.

One of the things that I love about Julie's books is that almost every character gets their say in the story. It's always so fun to see/hear all the different sides of the story.

I loved this sweet, romantic read and give it 5 stars!

(Disclaimer: I received a PDF copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Giveaway Time!

In celebration of her book tour, Julie is giving away a paperback or e-copy of "Isle of Hope" or any of her other books! Click on the banner below to go to the Singing Librarian Books tour page and enter the giveaway!
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10 Comments
Sherida Stewart link
11/3/2015 11:59:02 am

Great review, Anna.....and your word "restoration" is the perfect one word for Isle of Hope. I too wondered how there could be a happily-ever-after since there was so much betrayal. Love how Julie crafted this extraordinary story! I'm sure you're looking forward to more visits to Isle of Hope, as I am. Blessings!

Reply
Julie Lessman link
11/3/2015 07:43:36 pm

Hey, Sherida, I agree with both you and Anna -- "restoration" is a key word in this book, which is why I was SO excited to discover that Isle of Hope was a real place in Georgia when I was looking for an island close to Savannah (LOVE Savannah and wanted it as a setting in the worst way!) because what better setting (and name) for a novel about restoration of hope???

Thanks again, my friend, for all of your support on my behalf. You, Anna, Sydney, and the rest of the blog tour participants have been SUCH a blessing to me!!

Hugs,
Julie

Reply
Sheila Walton
11/3/2015 06:18:52 pm

I love a story where past mistakes are made right because people have learned from their mistakes. happily ever after is always a hit!

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Julie Lessman link
11/3/2015 07:44:37 pm

LOL, Sheila, well then do I have a book for you, girlfriend!!! Because that is EXACTLY what Isle of Hope is all about, so here's to a win!!

Hugs and good luck!
Julie

Reply
Melanie Backus
11/3/2015 09:30:04 pm

I have heard great things about Julie's book and I would certainly love to read it.

Reply
Julie Lessman link
11/4/2015 09:29:36 am

Thanks, Melanie, I sure hope it lives up to it for you, my friend, so good luck in the contest! :)

Hugs,
Julie

Reply
Karen Hadley link
11/4/2015 08:17:42 am

I'm so ready to read this book, Julie's books are always hard to put down.

Reply
Julie Lessman link
11/4/2015 09:30:36 am

I appreciate your excitement and interest in IOH, my friend, and here's hoping you pull out a win!

Hugs and good luck!
Julie

Reply
Maxie Anderson
11/5/2015 10:39:45 pm

Hello Anna. Loved the review of Julie's book. Has to be good written by Julie. Thanks Maxie

Reply
Julie Lessman link
11/6/2015 05:52:43 am

Aw, Maxie, I think you may be a wee bit prejudiced, but I'll take it, my friend!! ;)

Hugs and here's to a win!!!
Julie

Reply



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