Sunday, 1 January 2012

Books and Contests - Happy New Year Indeed

  Happy New Year everyone!  I hope this year is treating you well so far, and will continue to do so. :)  I decided to start this year off by trying to win a contest.  You see, my favourite author, Julie Lessman, is running a contest to win a signed copy of her next book, an amazon gift card and most amazingly having a character named after you in the next book!  Needless to say I would be school girl giddy to win (not at all an exaggeration), so I've been trying to post reviews for all of her books on as many sites as I can.  (I'm kind of glad I didn't hear about this until after I'd read all five of her first books... I'm hoping it might help my chances at winning. Haha.)
  Anyway, I know I've said it before, but she is just an amazing author and a must read for all of you hopeless romantics like me.  You know you're out there.  Please go out and buy one of her books!  Or all of them!  We writers have to stick together, and I know you won't be disappointed with any of her books.  I mean, a big and lovable family, gorgeous men, the 1920's, Ireland... what's not to love?  To help you out, I'm adding all of my individual reviews for the books.
A Passion Most Pure:

As my first introduction to Julie Lessman’s writing, I went in cautiously like I do with any new author I’m reading, and fell in love.  Julie’s mix of faith, passion, real human emotions and problems grabbed hold of my attention and kept it throughout the book.  The characters are so well written I felt like they were friends and had to stop myself from praying for them during their struggles.  Faith and Collin are some of my favourite characters that she’s created, and I couldn’t wait to dive into her next book.  A definite must read for any hopeless romantic.

A Passion Redeemed:

Amazingly, Julie managed to make me love a character that I hadn’t been fond of in the first book, and even cheer her on!  I found myself identifying with Charity O’Connor, and loved that she continued Faith and Collin’s love story through bits and pieces of this book as well.  I find the more I get to know the O’Connor family, the more I love them.  Another book headed straight to my keeper shelf.

A Passion Denied:

I must say that from the opening pages of this novel, I felt a connection to Lizzy O’Connor.  Being a rather hopeless romantic myself and often lost in the pages of a book, I understand her, and the twists and turns of her romance did not disappoint!  You know you’ve got an amazing book when you are actually yelling out loud at the characters when you know they’re making a mistake.  I found doing that during this read, and will admit that I’m now fully invested in the happenings of this family.  This is a wonderful end to an unbelievable series, but I’m so glad this isn’t the last we’re hearing from the O’Connor clan.

A Hope Undaunted:

I don’t know if there is enough I can say about Katie O’Connor... her sarcastic wit, her independent streak and her strength are all enhanced by the roaring 20’s time period surrounding her.  I was tickled to find out that Katie was going to have to deal with Luke ‘Cluny’ McGee again after meeting him in A Passion Denied.  I could tell that there was a spark of something between those two, but seeing it ignite like it does, in a stomach swirling, heart racing tug of war (or wills) was far beyond my expectations.  A new series, but the same characters you love, written by one of my favourite authors of all time!  You won’t be disappointed.  J
                                             
A Heart Revealed:

I’d been waiting to read about Sean and Emma’s love story since A Passion Redeemed!  I had been waiting for the two of them to realize that they were in love, and this novel didn’t disappoint in their story at all.  These characters just keep endearing themselves to me in their honesty and it’s been both joyful and heartbreaking to get to know them so well.  Can’t wait to see how everyone ends up in the next book, but seeing as it will be the last in the series it will be bittersweet.   Another home run by Julie Lessman.  (Maybe invest in some Kleenex before reading.)

  For all of you out there that I have forced at some time or another to watch P.S. I Love You, I know you'd love these books.  They're all 10 stars in my opinion (even if websites only allow 5).  Help me bless a lady who has so inspired and encouraged me... and get some good reading material while you're at it.  Nothing like an amazing new book to start the new year.  :D  And perhaps a contest win?  I'll keep you posted.
<3 Kayla

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