Julie Lessman: A Whim and A Prayer

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Whim and a Prayer by Julie Lessman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Whim and a Prayer
Series: The Cousins O'Connor #4
Author: Julie Lessman
Publisher: Independent
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance

(NOTE! THIS BOOK IS A SWEET INSPIRATIONAL WITH A HIGHER LEVEL OF ROMANTIC PASSION)

She’s a former orphan desperate to protect her heart.
He’s a best friend who protects her from the start.
Till prayer protects them both from a true love torn apart.

Discarded like so much trash on the steps of an orphanage at age two, seventeen-year-old Winifred Dennehy thinks God has it out for her. Abandoned by abusive parents and born cross-eyed to boot, she spent the first four years of her life battling bullies and verbal abuse. Deliverance came in the form of one Beckett Campbell, the ten-year-old orphan who became her best friend and guardian angel for life, along with an orphanage volunteer by the name of Mrs. D. When Mrs. Charity Dennehy adopts Winnie into her family, has her crossed eyes fixed, and secretly arranges for Beckett to be fostered and then adopted by elderly neighbors down the street, Winnie figures her luck has changed. But instead of attributing it to God like Beckett does, she’s inclined to believe it’s her own grit, charm, and spontaneity that has paved the way.

From the moment twenty-four-year-old Beckett Campbell saw the tiny, cross-eyed orphan who reminded him of the sister he lost, he wanted to love and protect her forever. Best friends from the start despite over five years apart, Winnie’s naïve spontaneity for wild hairs and whims keeps Beck’s mature responsibility busy and happily so. Until the little girl he wanted to protect suddenly becomes the young woman he wants to love. When Winnie insists on protecting their friendship from the fear and risk of anything more, Beck has a decision to make. Friendship forever … or a life apart from the best friend he loves. Praying that Winnie will change her mind, Beck doesn’t hold out much hope for that day. But when an unexpected turn of events alters both of their lives, it puts “a whim and a prayer” on a collision course that just might make a way.

My Thoughts:

A Whim and a Prayer by Julie Lessman is definitely my most favorite book of the O'Connor's clan stories. I love how Lessman includes a family that has been in my imagination for a LOOOONG time. I have loved this family, and every time Lessman writes another story that includes this family, it is a must purchase book. With this story, Lessman has crafted my favorite romance tropes. I love a Best Friend to More story. With Beckett and Winnie, Lessman does exactly that. She gives Winnie personal scares that she has to overcome in order to accept God, then she can accept love from others. The description does include more spice than normal Christian fiction. BUT at least, the romance is between married couples. Some might not like this aspect but I actually enjoy it to show that Christian are not prudes when it comes to romance. Overall, A Whim and A Prayer ended too quickly for me. I needed more. I definitely will be purchasing a physical copy when available.  

I received a complimentary copy of A Whim and A Prayer by Julie Lessman through Just Read Tours, but the opinions stated are all my own. 

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

More in This Series

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About the Author

A lover of all things Irish, Julie Lessman writes close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together. Award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, Silver Lining Ranch, and The Cousins O’Connor series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 24 Romance Writers of America and other awards.

Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards, Julie also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-2021, 2023, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction.

In addition, Julie has written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets, and What’s the Story, Morning Glory: A Memoir Devotional with a “Novel” Approach to Practical Christianity. Contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 21, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 28, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Julie Lessman: A Dare and A Prayer *GIVEAWAY*

By Kelly Bridgewater

(NOTE! THIS BOOK IS A SWEET INSPIRATIONAL WITH A HIGHER LEVEL OF ROMANTIC PASSION)

He’s a hotshot who takes up a dare.
She’s an aspiring missionary who wants to beware.
But will love become a gamble with a dare and a prayer?

Lieutenant Henry Dennehy is a cocky and carefree fighter pilot in the Pacific Theatre of WW2, known for scoring big, both in the sky and on land. But when his buddies offer a bet he can’t refuse to turn the head of the “untouchable” nurse at 369th Station Hospital—a woman who’s shot down more flyboys than the enemy—he’s bound and determined to win. Problem is, if he wins the dare, will he lose at love?

Lieutenant Amy Leigh MacArthur was on her way to the mission field when she detoured to fight for her country instead, an Army nurse whose interest lies only in healing the wounded and teaching orphans to read. Certainly not in men, and definitely not in Henry Dennehy, the boy who ridiculed her years ago as a shy and homely teen. But when Henry pursues her and won’t take no for an answer, Amy finds a way that gives him no choice.

Until, that is, love does the same for them both ...

 

My Thoughts:

A Dare and a Prayer by Julie Lessman reminded me a lot of A Light in the Window, which is the O’Connor’s family start story. The story begins with a dare from fellow soldiers in Japan to Henry to capture the pretty, untouchable woman. A Light in the Window had a dare between two friends. The story starts in Japan and spends about sixty percent of the novel takes place in this setting. Lessman does a wonderful job at crafting the hero, Henry, with a heart when he spends time at the orphanage in Japan. Of course, this makes it easy for Amy to break down some of her walls, not all, but some. As a word of warning, Lessman does dive into human trafficking with young kids, and some of the moments will make readers cringe. Also, if readers are familiar with Lessman’s stories, then they will be familiar with how far she dives into the emotional feelings of the characters. Most of her stories show the realistic truth of the emotions of the characters as they fall in love and can’t wait to spend more time behind doors. As for the change of Henry’s heart, it does happen throughout the story. He wants Amy, so the Lord presses on him, and things change. Similarly, Amy, the heroine, also has a change of heart from the beginning to the end of the story. Personally, I love watching characters as they transform for the better by the end of a story. Even though majority of stories feature this, I do enjoy watching characters who fight and struggle and eventually cave into something they realize is better for them. Like a relationship with God. Lessman is a master at creating characters who speak truth into her character’s lives. As someone who is familiar with all of Lessman’s stories, she does dive back into the character’s lives of previous members of this family. Thanksgiving at Patrick and Macy’s house with all the kids and all the grandkids. It is nice to see a family that focuses on prayer and the support of each other. With the state of America’s families today, Lessman shows a wonderful view of the way that God created family. Overall, A Dare and A Prayer by Julie Lessman is a familiar story with a different setting, but the transformation of the main characters through prayer and family support makes spending time with this story worthwhile.

I received a complimentary copy of A Dare and A Prayer by Julie Lessman from Julie Lessman, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:   4 out of 5 stars

Purchase A Dare and A Prayer 

About the Author:

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

  

Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, Silver Lining Ranch, and The Cousins O’Connor series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fictionmagazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-20, 2021 and 2023, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. Her independent novel A Light in the Window was an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. 

 

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. Contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.

BLOG TOUR FOR A DARE AND A PRAYER

(Note: Chance to win prize for leaving a comment on each blog)

October 1 — Radiant Light Blog (tease)

October 1 — LiteraryScape Book Club

October 2 — Grace Johnson Spotlight

October 3 — Britt Reads Fiction

October 4 — Where Faith and Books Meet

October 5 — A Baker’s Perspective

October 6 — My Favorite Pastime

October 7 — Reading is My SuperPower

October 8 — Writing Between the Lines

October 9 — Locks, Hooks, and Books

October 10 — Splashes of Joy

October 10 — Saraina Whitney Blog

October 11 — Radiant Light Blog (review) 

October 12 — Miss Pippi Reads Blog

October 13 — Christian Bookaholic

October 14 — Grace Johnson Review

October 15 — Scraps of Life Blog

CHECK OUT JULIE’S CONTESTS!

In honor of A Dare and a Prayer’s book birthday, Julie has two contests going on where you can win the following:

GRAND PRIZE (2 chances to win!):

—$50 Amazon gift card or $25 Amazon gift card

—Choice of three of Julie’s e-books or one of her signed paperbacks

—A character named after you or a loved one in her next book and a signed paperback copy

—Your choice of one paperback from Julie’s list of top-selling CBA authors, including Tamera Alexander, Colleen Coble, Rachel Hauck, Denise Hunter, Robin Lee Hatcher, Nancy Naigle, Cara Putman, Deborah Raney, Katherine Reay, Becky Wade, and Beth Vogt.

RUNNERS-UP PRIZES (8 chances to win!):

—Choice of three of my e-books

—OR choice of one of my signed paperbacks (based on my private stash)

—OR choice of one paperback from a list of the above-mentioned top CBA authors (based on my private stash)

So, check all the details out at her Journal Jots Blog HERE and GOOD LUCK! 

St. Patrick’s Day – Stories Set in Ireland or Characters from Ireland

 By Kelly Bridgewater

 St. Patrick’s Day.

A  day to celebrate Ireland and the Irish heritage. Here are some novels that have heroines or heroes who come from Ireland or the story takes place in Ireland (All images come from Goodreads).

A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz

 A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

 

No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

What about you? Think of any other books? Please share them with me!

Julie Lessman: A Hope and A Prayer

 By Kelly Bridgewater

She’s in love with her best friend.

He’s in love with her cousin.

But when the war reveals a gift so rare, will they be saved by a hope and a prayer?

As Head Nurse at 2d Hospital in Nancy, France, Lieutenant Hope Dennehy is known for her healing touch, especially when it comes to mending the wounds and spirit of her best friend, Lieutenant Bren O’Neill. When Hope’s cousin breaks Bren’s heart, Hope is always there, helping to heal him with a friendship so anointed and deep, it threatens to break her heart too.

Flying high as a daredevil aeromedical evac pilot in the European Theatre, “Lieutenant Love” O’Neill crashes and burns when the woman he loves falls for another. Depending on the support and prayers of Nurse Hope Dennehy to save him, Bren re-evaluates his free-wheeling lifestyle when he witnesses the heinous atrocities of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Suddenly nothing in life is as important as taking care of those he loves … or is it? Battling demons from his past, Bren learns that only one thing can truly save him from himself.

 

My Thoughts:

A Hope and A Prayer by Julie Lessman is not your typical World War II novel. Right from the beginning, Lessman places Hope, the heroine, in a hospital ward, praying over her best friend Bren. While majority of World War II novels focus on one historical event, technically, Lessman does not. She does have the characters interact with each other on V-E Day and when the Japanese surrendered, but nothing deeper than that. If, as a reader, you are wanting a World War II novel which showcases the horror of this time, then this might not be the novel for you. However, with that being said, Lessman does have her characters interact and mingle during the World War II era in Europe and Boston. Additionally, readers familiar with her widely popular O’Connor series will see familiar family members to Hope Dennehy and see how they are doing. This element I loved. The O’Connor’s were my introduction to Lessman’s writings, and I love how she keeps bringing them back. This is a novel for fans of romance. There is plenty of sparks, kissing, and more than handholding. Now Lessman does put more passion in her novels than majority of Christian Romance novels, but she does not cross the line in showing what happens behind close doors. She shows the emotions between a husband and a wife and shows the torture of an engaged couple as they fight those God-given urges. One of my favorite elements of Lessman’s writing is her ability to craft a character who wants nothing to do with God, but through gentle coaxing and prodding, the character realizes how important God is to have a fulfilling life. She allows her readers to share their faith. Not shove the love of God down the reader’s throat. Overall, A Hope and A Prayer by Julie Lessman is a wonderful story with plenty of spark, passion, and drama to keep readers flipping through the pages. I recommend this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of A Hope and a Prayer by Julie Lessman, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Purchase A Hope and A Prayer

About Julie Lessman: 

A lover of all things Irish, Julie Lessman writes close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, Silver Lining Ranch, and The Cousins O’Connor series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-2020, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction.

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. Contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.

Are you ready for MORE giveaways GALORE???

GIVEAWAY INFO 

(Taken from Julie Lessman Journal Blots- Blog https://julielessman.com/journal-jots1/)

Well, I sure am, so join me OCTOBER 1-14, 2022 for my 2-week blog tour on A HOPE AND A PRAYER, where I will not only be giving away a free e-copy to one commenter on each of 14 stops (14 e-books giveaway!).

GRAND-PRIZE GIVEAWAY! Then I’ll toss all those names in a hat for an Amazon gift card, a signed paperback copy of A Hope and a Prayer or a signed paperback copy of any of my indie books or a book by a top CBA author, and a character named after you or a loved one in my next book!

Here’s the list of bloggers on the tour, so visit each one on or after their date to leave a comment, and you’re automatically in the draw, so good luck! Contest ends 10/15, and winners will be announced right here on my Journal Jot blog shortly thereafter.

BLOG TOUR DATES:

1. October 1 – https://readingismysuperpower.org/2022/10/01/book-spotlight-and-a-giveaway-a-hope-and-a-prayer-by-julie-lessman/
2. October 2 – https://myfavoritepastime.blogspot.com/2022/10/a-hope-and-prayer-by-julie-lessman.html
3. October 3 – (New-release spotlight) https://www.graceajohnson.com/post/new-release-a-hope-and-a-prayer-by-julie-lessman
4. October 4 – https://novelscorner.wordpress.com/2022/10/01/a-hope-and-a-prayer/
5. October 5 – https://www.literaryscape.com/literaryscape-book-club
6. October 6 – http://misspippireads.blogspot.com/
7. October 7 – https://readingismysuperpower.org/2022/10/07/book-review-and-a-giveaway-a-hope-and-a-prayer-by-julie-lessman/
8. October 8 – (Live-stream on CrowdCast) https://rumble.com/v1n60m2-live-q-and-a-with-author-julie-lessman-replay.html
9. October 9 – https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com/
10. October 10 – https://sarainawhitney.wordpress.com/blog/
11. October 10 — http://frommipov.blogspot.com/2022/10/a-hope-and-prayer-cousins-oconnor-2-by.html
12. October 11– https://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/2022/10/11/blog-tour-and-giveaway-a-hope-and-a-prayer-by-julie-lessman/
13. October 12 – https://kellybridgewater.blogspot.com/
14. October 13 – flakymn@hotmail.com, https://flakymn.blogspot.com/
15. October 14 – https://blissbooksandjewels.com/

To enter Julie’s contest, please send your comment to her directly via her website HERE.