Hello!  Be sure and pay attention to this interesting posting below.  Thanks to Julie Lessman and her mighty pen, she wants to giveaway some books and a Kindle Fire!  Read on and then run, not walk...to the nearest contest for Julie's prizes!

CONTESTS!

WHOO-HOO ... THREE CONTESTS: 

Kindle Fire Contest!!

Review Contest!!

A Light in the Window Facebook Giveaways!!

A.) KINDLE FIRE CONTEST: 1st place with the most points wins a Kindle Fire (or equivalent gift card). If more than one top entrant with equivalent points, winner will be selected via random drawing.

Next three runners-up receive signed printed manuscript of A Light in the Window or $20 gift card.

There will be a random drawing for those with even just one point (with extra entry for each point accrued) for a signed manuscript of A Light in the Window or $20 gift card.

HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:

1.)   ORDER A Light in the Window (5 points in contest) at Amazon NOW or Barnes & Noble, CBD.com or Smashwords on November 9.

 2.)   GET SOMEONE ELSE TO ORDER A Light in the Window (2 points per order).

 3.)   SHARE this contest page on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, Goodreads, wherever (2 points per 1-time share each).

 4.)  "LIKE" the book on Amazon and B&N or get someone else to do so (1 pt. per LIKE).

 5.)   E-MAIL ME through the "Contact Julie" tab of   this website to let me know which of the points above you have done, and I will enter you in the contest. NOTE: Kindle winner MAY be required to show proof of purchase via the Amazon Order Confirmation number listed on their confirmation e-mail from Amazon.

Contest ends December 31, 2012 and winner will be announced here on the Contest page and in my January 4th Journal Jot.

B.) REVIEW CONTEST: Publisher's Weekly states that good reviews are critical to an author's success!! 1st place (the most points accrued for good reviews posted) wins a character named after them in Love at Any Cost (release date April 1, 2013), a $50 gift card and signed copy of Love at Any Cost.

Runner-up wins a bit character named after them and signed copy of Love at Any Cost.

Random drawing for those with even just one point (with extra entries for every point accrued) for a signed copy of Love at Any Cost.

HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:

1.)  POST A BRIEF, POSITIVE REVIEW for A Love Surrendered at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD.com, other online bookseller, personal blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Shelfari, etc. (1 point per each review posted.)

2.)  CLICK THE “LIKE” BUTTON for A Love Surrendered on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. (1 point per LIKE).

3.) E-MAIL ME through the "Contact Julie" tab of this website to let me know where you have posted the reviews and the links to each review.

NOTE: This contest is to promote reviews for A Love Surrendered, but if you are a new reader who has NEVER posted a review for any of my books before, you may do so and accrue points that way as well. However, I regret I cannot count reviews posted in the past for my books as part of one of my prior contests. Winners will be announced in my next newsletter scheduled to mail in FEBRUARY so make sure you are signed up for it via theNewsletter tab of this website.

C.) A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW FACEBOOK GIVEAWAYS:  Join me on FacebookNovember 1 - 30 for fun trivia and tips on making Christmas memorable for your family and those you love. The discussion takes place on my author page each day, where I'll be giving away FIVE copies of A Light in the Window over the course of the month, either e-book or signed printed manuscript, so I hope you'll be a part. Here's the link and hope to see you there!

Julie's Facebook Author Page

GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS!!!

Hugs,

Julie

WOW!  Thanks for sharing Julie, I'm very excited!  I've read ALL of your books and feel like part of the O'Connor family...except I'm not Irish! LOL!  I have read your awesome "A Light in the Window" and am preparing my review to be published very soon.  Honestly, I'm not sure what more I can say...those already published reviews have already said it all.  I'll just have to scratch my head and hope something pops out!  I've already decided that this is another five star read.  So - friends, followers and visitors - go for it.....you will be blessed for sure.

Hugs,

Barb

Southern Writers: Suite T: Writers as Reviewers?

Southern Writers: Suite T: Writers as Reviewers?: By  Michelle Sutton Should you write reviews once you are published? I was a book reviewer long before I had my first published ...

WRITING TO DISTRACTION BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY

Blog Tour & Giveaways for Colonial Courtships

COMMENT BETWEEN NOW AND OCT. 21ST AND YOU MAY WIN THIS GIFT BASKET!

Be sure and click on the blogsite address at the bottom of this page 

and go to  

WRITING TO DISTRACTION 

to post a comment on the giveaway.

Contents includes Colonial Courtships, Liberty's Promise, The Glassblower, fall napkins, wooden spoon, gingerbread scented tapers, & cranberry candle jar.MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2012

This is a big week for me on my blog tour for promoting Colonial Courtships.

What's a blog tour? It is an online tour of interviews, reviews, and conversations around the web to raise interest in a newly released book. It is lots of fun with fun insights and behind the scenes info from the author and there are usually book giveaways...and in my case you may even win a book gift basket!

Sunday, the 14th, you'll find another interview with the authors at Lena Nelson Dooley's A Christian Writers World.

Monday, the 15th, the Colonial Courtships authors begin there long visit with Valerie Comer, the hostess of Barbour's Romancing America blog. I'll be featured  for several days this week to talk about my novella Carving a Future, the first book included in theColonial Courtships anthology.

I'm visiting at From the Heart with Cheryl St. John on Tues., the 16th, to talk about Colonial Detours.

And tomorrow, the 15th, I celebrate my Colonial American fiction debut with a tea party at Colonial Quills, the Colonial American Christian Writer's blog that I contribute to each month. There is another gift basket giveaway there as well!

Be sure and click on the blogsite address below and go to  

WRITING TO DISTRACTION 

to post a comment on the giveaway.

http://writingtodistraction.blogspot.com/2012/10/blog-tour-giveaways-for-colonial.html?showComment=1350443080338#c5794639800667935664

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Seekerville: October Birthday

Seekerville: October Birthday: Welcome to our Fifth Birthday Giveaway Page. The rules are simple.  Comment during any week for a chance to win that week's birthda...

DONNA LAY OF PROJECT MUSTARD SEED

Hi Friends, Followers & Neighbors........

Today, through a friend, I was led to A Project Mustard Seed which caught my interest immediately and was led further...sensing by the Holy Spirit...to read about the lady behind this intriguing idea, Donna Lay.  From there, I journeyed to her blog and that is where I found something wonderful I now share with you.  I know you will find Donna and her words just as fascinating as I do.  Take it, Donna........

DONNA LAY
SPEARHEAD OF PROJECT MUSTARD SEED

DONNA'S BLOG

Blessed Beyond Measure

A Journey of Faith, Love & everything in between

Several months ago, I came across a poem written by an unknown author called, Are you a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime? A poem filled with beautiful inspiring words took first place in the mad game of ping-pong. By now, God has taught me enough to recognize and to seize the moments when “people come into your life for a reason, season, or a lifetime.” Immediately I knew I must give credit to where credit is due, saying a tremendous thank you to all who had a hand in the development of Project Mustard Seed! Primarily I thank God for blessing me beyond measure! For remaining faithful in his promises that laid ruminating in my soul and revealing my potential for greatness in the ability to dream dreams. The right people he placed in my life that possessed the talent to fulfill the impossible. In his unfailing love, through selfless acts of kindness, to lessons learned . . . friendships flourished. With each person, his light shines through, illuminating within me an endless supply of strength, courage, and peace.                            

 Donna Lay

Are You a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime?

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

                                          Author Unknown  

ABOUT DONNA LAY 

Donna is a full-time wife to the man of her dreams and a mother to five amazing kids! Since giving her life to God six years ago, God has blessed her family beyond measure. She is finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a major in Christian Counseling from Liberty University DLP, and she is interning at Freedom House Church of God under the supervision of Pastor Travis Ballinger and Associate Pastor John Unthank. A member of Freedom House, she also serves as an Elder of the church alongside her husband, Michael Lay, where both teach and mentor the College & Career Class ministry. God gifted Donna with a passionate desire, proficiency, and calling to help others “break free,” as she broke free, and become more productive in personal and family goals with a focus on Godly living. She dedicates her life to helping and teaching others see and achieve their fullest potential.   

About Project Mustard Seed 
Come Grow With Us: Relate, Experience, Journey, 

and Celebrate with God!

Our Mission at Project Mustard Seed is to help others experience the joy that comes by knowing God. We want to encourage spiritual growth and provide support throughout your journey to find God's place in your life, and to find your place in God's plan. Together we will celebrate with God by using our gifts and talents to help others improve the quality of their life.Our Vision is for everyone to experience God through encouragement, enlightenment, and exhortations -- connecting individuals through common interests, goals, assistance, and useful information that ultimately promotes growth and positive change. Our Goal is to help individuals reach their full potential. Project Mustard Seed will continue to add resources that can help individuals grow spiritually, physically, and emotionally to help improve the quality of life for the individual and their families. This site stands on the foundation of Godly living, providing faith, abilities, and strength to those who seek to be more productive in their personal and family goals. "If you have faith as a mustard Seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

Awesome poem, wasn't it?  Having faith as a mustard seed has always been a mysterious concept to me, but it also gives me hope on those days I see things a bit grey and desolate.  Friends and persons coming in and out of my life at certain times and places increases my hope that in some way each of my relationships with others will bless them in such ways as introducing them to Jesus and the love of our awesome Abba Father.  It's in this very way that I have learned many lessons of life and enhanced my love of the Lord.  Hallelujah and Amen!!  That's it for today, and please come back and bring your friends with you.  I'd love to meet them and make new friends.

Hugs,
Barb

BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE BLOG http://www.gomustardseed.org/blog/?p=20
PROJECT MUSTARD SEED http://www.gomustardseed.org/index.html
View all posts by donnalay →   

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New giveaway! Enter for a chance to win You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren.

Visit Michelle Sutton's Healing Hearts blog to find out about this intriguing giveaway.

New giveaway! Enter for a chance to win You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren.

Blessed by Grace | Barbara J Shelton Blog ~ "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:10

Blessed by Grace | Barbara J Shelton Blog ~ "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:10

Legacy of a Writer: Jen Stephens is back with more stories from Harvest Bay (Interview & Giveaway)

Legacy of a Writer: Jen Stephens is back with more stories from Harvest Bay (Interview & Giveaway)

JEANNE BROOKS - I WOULD DRAW NEARER TO JESUS

Today I am pleased to share a posting from my friend Jeanne Brooks, author of several great books.  Two, I enjoyed reading and reviewing.  At the end of this first week of October, and the holidays fast approaching, some of us can relate to her words and the words of this old lovely hymn and take comfort in the words.

I WOULD DRAW NEARER TO JESUS

JEANNE BROOKS

Across the Wilderness

Through the Waters

I Would Draw Nearer To Jesus

• When you feel sad or discouraged, angry or frustrated, what's one of the things yo want to do? For me, it is to talk to someone who will understand, usually a friend. Lately I've been car-pooling with a friend, and I find that venting our frustrations about or talking about a home issue of concern helps lift that weight off my shoulders, even if for only a short time. Drawing close to family and friends at the time of my daughter's death certainly helped me over that hurdle!
  
  Last night, I was on the airplane and next to me sat a woman who talked of her reasons for traveling. She had lost one of her sons (and his wife) in a car accident 8 years ago, and almost to the day, this past week, her sister also lost a son in a car crash! She rushed to her sister's side to give her comfort, as well as helping her make decisions about organ donations, as she had done 8 years prior. She mentioned, "Who would have thought two sister would experience such similar loss, and that I would need to be there for her 8 years later?" Only God! "He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble." (2 Corinthians 1:4 CEB)
  
  My ♥ song this morning reminds me of how important it is to actively seek that comfort; don't just expect to feel it because you've been a Christian for whatever number of years. Feelings can be deceiving! They are often based on an emotional, gut response, but true comfort comes from the knowledge that Jesus is the one Friend on Whom you can always depend and He understands EVERY sorrow, pain, or challenge you face!
  
  "I would draw nearer to Jesus,
  In His sweet presence abide,
  Constantly trying to serve Him,
  Safe and secure at His side.
  
  REFRAIN:
  I would draw nearer to Jesus,
  I would draw nearer to Him;
  Fully surrendered each moment,
  I would draw nearer to Him.
  
  I would draw nearer to Jesus,
  Nothing withholding from Him,
  Knowing He loves to be gracious,
  I would draw nearer to Him.
  
  I would draw nearer to Jesus,
  Seeking His strength to be true,
  Willing to tell of His goodness,
  Gladly His blest will to do."
  
  "...and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 30:21 KJV). Have a blessed day.
  
  Unfortunately, I can't find a youtube of this great hymn, so hopefully the words suffice.
  
  ><> ♥
  Jeanne
  :^)

  
  

  https://www.facebook.com/Author4Him

  
  
  
  
  

  Knowing he loves to be gracious, seeking the strength, and willing to tell of His  goodness...... all these wonderful things about Jesus we can take to share now and always.  Have a blessed weekend.

  
  

  
  

  Hugs,

  Barb

  
  

  
  
  

   ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

  
  

  
  

BIG NEWS TODAY...OCTOBER & JULIE LESSMAN'S A LOVE SURRENDERED!!

October has arrived!!  

The month of turning leaves to gold and bright blue skies; chillier days and football, for some - dressing in costumes for a certain day...and for me...and my husband Jack... October means turning another year older AND on the same day, none the less!!  LOL  Today I want to share with you my review from my column, Just Sayin..., from The Wordsmith Journal Magazine.  Hope you enjoy it, and please feel free to make comments and give some feedback....for now....read on.....

A SR Perspective 

Hello and Welcome to our SR Perspective page where our SR Reviewer, 
Barb Shelton will post her opinion/review of the books she reads. 

This month is  A Love Surrendered  by Julie Lessman

JULIE LESSMAN

A Love Surrendered
Winds of Change, #3

She’s hoping to find her first true love. He’s hoping to forget his. Will her secret come between them?

Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy has moved to Boston and is embracing the city life, with a new name and a wide-open future. When she gets involved with a fast crowd at Ocean Pier—one that includes the handsome Steven O’Connor—she is pulled deeper and deeper into a world of rule breakers and mischief makers. She finds herself drawn to Steven and the whole O’Connor family. But a secret Annie is keeping has the power to destroy her best-laid plans.

Will Steven ever see her as more than a sweet country girl who needs protecting? And will he break her heart when he finds out who she really is?

With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and the emotional twists and turns Julie Lessman fans have come to expect, A Love Surrendered will ignite your senses and inspire your spirit. 

A Love Surrendered is available now at Amazon for Kindle, Audio, and Paperback. Also available @B&N!

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Just Sayin....

Time:  1932, Boston, Ma.  Prohibition was about to be repealed by the 18th Amendment.  Some concerns of that era…prohibition, politics, war and as in any year, belief in God.  The young crowd wanted good times and were expert lawbreakers to do so.  Times were hard….and that’s not exactly what Julie Lessman’s story is about…but difficult times there were.A Love Surrendered is the third book in the Winds of Change Series.  It is the continuation of the O’Connor family saga through each of the 7 children born to Patrick and Marcy O’Connor.  Stories previously began with the Daughters of Boston Series.  The children – whose stories update naturally through each novel are: Faith, married to Collin McGuire; Charity, married to Mitch Dennehy; Lizzie, married to John Brady; Sean, married to Emma; Katie, married to Luke McGee: and Steven, the youngest and still single.  A foster daughter, Gabe (Gabriella Dawn), has appeared in Marcy and Patrick’s lives through the romance and marriage of Katie and Luke O’McGee in A Hope Undaunted.  This reader has enjoyed the pleasure of devouring each one of these books, except for Sean and Emma’s story which will be rectified soon.To begin, I am including some of the summary from the back of the book to familiarize my followers with the gist of the story.  I add that this is Steven O’Connor’s story – and it is wonderful! A Love Surrendered - The very best of Julie Lessman’s writings so far in my estimation.  Julie’s stories touch my very soul in that I personally relate to many of the problems and struggles, blessings of God’s grace, and surprise events that occur without warning in this story as well as real life.

The love interest involves sisters – but that’s all I’ll reveal about that.  Steven is a Federal Agent as is his best friend Joe, which leads to much tension and comedy among the book characters.  One leading character is a natural at drawing others to Christ – which I feel is the most important factor in all relationships, real or imagined.Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt.  She gets involved with a fast crowd at Ocean Pier – one that includes the handsome Steven O’Connor – she is pulled quickly into a world of rule breakers and mischief makers.  Annie, actually Susannah Grace Kennedy, longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents' death. But when she falls hard for Steven O'Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is? With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, each page and chapter leads to faster page turns as the story bends and shapes.Julie’s creative use of similes and metaphors paint a vivid picture in my mind of the action in each scene.  Playing as a movie in my head, her words exploded my imagination wide open. She describes each story character in detail – from a tic in the jaw to the color of the hair on a man’s chest.Ms Lessman has perfected the art of writing around and through a “steamy” romantic scene of passion and desire without relying on heavy emphasis of “overwriting” actions as might a secular novelist.  Smut and profanity is not found in Julie’s books. Her words don’t prompt embarrassment and shock over titillating phrases – much more educational than four letter words blatantly shouting from the page.  Julie seems to train your focus as a bystander. As a reader, I appreciated the non-explanation of spice and ginger in love scenes; my imagination works just fine in that category.
Ms. Lessman’s natural spirit of humor, effectively used in tight places, never backs the script in a corner without an opening for resolve.  She is brilliantly funny and I laughed, cried, snorted and hungered for more.  Speaking of tears reminds me of the deep emotions Julie’s story emitted from my subconscious memories, oh so many.  My throat in a constant lump, caused easy tears and prayers to emanate from my consciousness.The expressions Julie inserts…”Sweet Saints,” “Knickers in a Knot,” “bees knees.” among others were familiar to me…although I faintly admit it.  Did they wear Keds back in 1932?  What are Sardines, Ghost Game and a couple of other unknown games kids played?   The music and movies are quite nostalgic to my early years of childhood. Even the pets had great names…Mr. Grumpy, the Basset Hound that belonged to Annie and Glory;   Cats….ah, guess you’ll need to read the book to find out.  LOL!The O’Connor grandchildren grab your heart instantaneously – and there is always one mischievous kid in the bunch that makes the others all appear angelic.  Of course, food fights and everyone loves coming to grandparents house to be pampered with their special love.
When God created Julie, he must have added teacher or preacher of His truth and Word to her genes.  Her first name could well be “Charisma” sparkling with glitz and glitter on the cover of her books.  She pulls the reader in with such light that sparks fly from every page in the name of Jesus.  I wish Julie would write an advice book for teens, young adults and even the seniors about God’s will regarding romance, engagement and marriage.
A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman's many fans have been waiting for and it ends on promises to come.  Thank you, God, for sending Julie to our time and place.  I’m so thankful we are friends, and speaking for myself, I adore you, sister Julie Lessman!

Check out books 1 & 2 in the "Winds of Change" series!

In this new series, an award-winning author delivers another highly charged romance set in Boston in the summer of 1929. A young woman healing from a broken past catches the eye of a confirmed bachelor in this sizzling historical romance set in New England in 1931.

*To purchase copy simply click on the cover or link!*

Authors, email twjadsales@gmail.com for details on how to have your book reviewed by Barb!

Meet our SR Reviewer ~ Barb Shelton!

Barb is married to Jack Shelton, a retired military officer and lives in Arlington, Texas. Having been married for thirty seven years, Barb and Jack share eight children between them, (His, Mine, Ours); 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Barb was born and raised in Enterprise, Kansas. She is musically inclined and is a retired church music director. A former Weight Watcher lecturer, she has had many interesting and unusual jobs, including working for a private detective, defense attorney, office manager for a video production company and administrative assistant to two different pastors. She is involved in volunteer and church activities, and describes herself as creative, friendly and can talk with anyone.

"I am a Christian and love to spread God's love and enjoy making others smile and lift up their day."

She wishes to write a book one day. "I've been through several soap operas in my lifetime and lived to tell about them."

Barb is the writer of two blogs, Passing it Forward and Blessed by Grace, both of which she invites you to drop by to visit one day.

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Disclaimer 

Our goal at The Wordsmith Journal Magazine is to introduce readers to authors of books with a strong moral message. Primarily Christian based, we do not adhere to any particular denomination, nor do we question the integrity or worship of our readers, interview candidates, sponsors, columnists, reviewers, or authors who advertise with us. We understand reading is subjective and what one person deems sweet, clean, cozy or inspirational, another will not. Please know we do not read nor endorse every book advertised in our magazine but trust that the author understands our goal and his or her work fits the desires of our readers.

(c) 2012 The Wordsmith Journal Magazine (owned & operated by Pamela S Thibodeaux Enterprises, LLC) ~ All Rights Reserved