Welcome to the Blog Tour for What’s the Story, Morning Glory? by Julie Lessman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I have been a fan of Julie’s for quite some time now, and I knew I needed to read this devotional. Julie just has this way about her that I think a lot of people can relate to, and I was anxious to see how that would come across in a non-fiction setting as opposed to her typical fiction writing. I was not disappointed!
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About the Book
What's the Story, Morning GloryPublished by Julie Lessman LLC
on October 1, 2024
Genres: Memoir/Devotional
Amazon | Goodreads“DEAR LORD, JULIE ... OUR WHOLE LIFE IS IN THIS BOOK!"
My heart went out to my sweet husband as he walked into our kitchen one day with a noticeable gulp, ashen-faced after reading my latest novel.“Yes, I know, babe,” I said with a repentant smile and a conciliatory hug, “but nobody really knows that.”
Ahem. Until now ...Trust me, "What’s the Story, Morning Glory? A Memoir Devotional with a 'Novel' Approach to Practical Christianity " is not a book I wanted to write. As a novelist, I have never been partial to nonfiction, either reading it or writing it, but I had little choice when God convinced me otherwise through a number of point-blank arm-twistings I couldn’t deny and not-so-gentle proddings from family and friends.
Despite all the encouragement, I wasn’t really sure where to begin. “It will be fiction and nonfiction combined,” the Holy Spirit whispered within, and just like that, the idea for this book took flight. First, I would tell my “real” and very personal story behind the life-lesson stories in my novels, then I would follow it up with the excerpt from my books where I teach that same life lesson to my characters, finally culminating in corresponding Scriptures, a bulleted “Takeaway” list, and a related prayer.
Thus, What’s the Story, Morning Glory: A Memoir Devotional with a “Novel” Approach to Practical Christianity was born. A memoir devotional that when combined with scenes from my novels, becomes a “novotional” where I relate the life lessons God personally taught me through His Word. I am simply a child of God who applied these lessons and Biblical precepts to every situation in my life and consequently, saw nonstop answers to prayer and blessings galore. It is my profound hope and prayer that through my own very simple and personal stories and examples, I can do the same for others. Therefore, the format for each chapter of this book will be as
1. The Real Story (How I learned and applied the spiritual lesson in my own life)
2. The Novel Story (The scene where I teach the spiritual lesson to my characters)
3. The Scripture Story (Scriptures applicable to the spiritual lesson)
4. The Takeaway Story (Bulletized points for spiritual lesson in easy-to-read/apply format)
5. The Prayer Story (Specific prayer related to the spiritual lesson)
I pray this bottom-line, albeit somewhat quirky, 1-2-3 devotional blesses you as much as God's spiritual life lessons have blessed me!
Hugs,
Julie Lessman
My Perspective
I really enjoyed the structure of this devotional. First of all, Lessman’s stories/memoirs are so inspiring, so relatable, and just overall well written. She brings joy, laughter, though provoking scenarios, and a desire to reach for your bible and study the scriptures. She includes scriptures as well, but I like looking them up the old fashion way honestly. I encourage readers to have a notebook with them as they are reading, studying and praying. Write down the themes of the stories that speak to you. Write down the scripture. Write your thoughts on The Takeaway Story section. And then write a prayer in addition to the one Lessman provided. I think you’ll find over the course of the book you’ll learn so much, all while growing closer to the Lord.
If you’re looking for a devotional that will speak to your heart, one that you can relate to, and one that touches on deeper topics (not just surface level like some devotionals tend to do), then I highly recommend What’s the Story, Morning Glory. I can see this being one I read through on an annual basis and hope you do as well!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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 Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2014, Best of 2015, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-20, 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.
Connect with Julie by visiting julielessman.com to follow her on social media, read both romantic and spiritual excerpts from her books, or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a character named after you in Julie’s next book & a signed paperback copy of that book, plus a signed paperback copy of What’s the Story, Morning Glory!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 24, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 1, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print copies. Gift card open to all locales. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
thanks so much for sharing your thoughts – this devotional sounds so meaningful!
What a great idea to keep a notebook nearby while reading Julie’s devotional. I will plan to do that because writing my thoughts and prayers will deepen the impact. Thanks for the suggestion. Blessings!
Sherida, I SO appreciate you coming by to support me and this devo–you are THE BEST!
Hugs,
Julie
OH what a a great idea and look forward to reading
Good Luck with Plenty Blessings attached
Hey, Crystal, thanks for coming by! Here’s to a win!
Hugs,
Julie
Thanks Julie I am hoping to win fingers crossed🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
Me, too, sweetie. But if you don’t win the devo, I would love to send you a free e-copy of my award-winning novel, Isle of Hope, so just contact me through my website, okay?
OK thanks
This devotional sounds great! Thanks for putting it on my radar. Good review!
Hey, Nicole, thanks for coming by, and here’s to a win!
Hugs,
Julie
Jessica, thank you SO much for being part of my blog tour–MUCH appreciated!
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing.
Hey, Lisa, be sure to check out my Journal Jots Blog tomorrow because comment winners will be announced! Thanks for entering.
Hugs,
Julie
Sounds uniquw
Hey, JCP, be sure to check out my Journal Jots Blog tomorrow because comment winners will be announced! Thanks for entering.
Hugs,
Julie
Thank you so much Julie for sharing your heart ,faith ,talent ,and now this wonderful devotional which I hope will help and inspire many! (Btw,am a JJ blog subscriber 😉 )
Hey, Lynne, be sure to check out my Journal Jots Blog tomorrow because comment winners will be announced! 🥰
Hugs,
Julie
Sounds wonderful.
Hey, Shelly, be sure to check out my Journal Jots Blog tomorrow because comment winners will be announced! Thanks for entering.
Hugs,
Julie
This looks like a fantastic read. Thanks for sharing.