A Hope Undaunted (67 page)

To my precious prayer partners and best friends, Joy Bollinger, Karen Chancellor, and Pat Stiehr – I would be lost without you.

To my aunt Julie, my mother-in-law Leona, and my sisters, Dee Dee, Mary, Pat, Rosie, Susie, Ellie, and Katie for your love and prayers, and to my sisters-in-law, Diana, Mary, and Lisa – family just doesn’t get any better than you.

A special hug to my sisters Ellie and Kate for always being ready to pray, to read, and to lift me up when I’m down – I thank God for putting us together in the birth line.

To my daughter Amy, whose beauty, wit, and endless lists helped shape Katie O’Connor into the woman I wanted her to be, to my son Matt, who possesses all the kindness and compassion of a Luke McGee, and to my daughter-in-law Katie, the best editor/proofreader outside the business – I love you all more than words can say.

To Keith Lessman, the man I love with every fiber of my being – never in all my dreams of romance did I ever believe it possible to feel so cherished and loved. I’ve said it before, babe, and I’ll say it again – I don’t deserve you.

And to the God of Hope, Who has taught me that with Him, there truly is such a thing as “a hope undaunted” – I will serve You all the days of my life.

Julie Lessman
is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion with a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Author of The Daughters of Boston series, Julie is also winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational. She is the recipient of thirteen Romance Writers of America awards.

Julie resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son, and daughter-in-law.

Contact Julie through her website at
www.julielessman.com
.