Slipping Emma’s coat over her shoulders, Sean hustled her to the door amidst a flurry of goodbyes. Hand on the knob, he bent to brush his lips against hers, causing her heart to soar at the love in his eyes. He smiled while his thumb grazed her jaw. “Ready, Emma?”
She glanced back at the O’Connors, throat aching as Charity blew her a kiss. How can this be? I never deserved this! And yet, this was her family . . . her husband . . . her life!
I honor those who honor me.
Sweet moisture stung in her eyes. Oh, Lord! The warmth of his approval embraced her and she swallowed hard, returning her gaze to Sean’s while a single tear trailed into the curve of her smile. She finally nodded, heart welling with joy faster than her eyes could well with water. “Am I ready?” she whispered, squeezing Sean’s hand till she thought she would burst. “Oh, yes,” she breathed. For the first time in my life . . .
Acknowledgments
To my agent, Natasha Kern, and my editor, Lonnie Hull Dupont—treasured gifts from a very wise God who knew exactly what I needed.
To the truly talented team at Revell—I am privileged to work with each and every one of you. Mega hugs to Michele Misiak for her kindness and patience with CDQs like me, to Cheryl Van Andel and Dan Thornberg for their remarkable talent and creativity, and to Barb Barnes, whose name always makes me smile when it pops up in email. You guys are the best!
To my brainstorming buddies, Charlotte Vernaci and Linda Tate—thank you for always responding to my 911 calls with grace, humor, and grit.
To the Seekers, fourteen of the finest women I have ever met—I am beyond blessed to claim you as dear friends, confidants, prayer partners, and therapists on call.
To Casey Herringshaw and Michelle Tuller—not only winners of my newsletter contest to have a character named after them in this book, but two of the kindest and dearest reader friends I’ve ever had the privilege to meet. I cherish your friendship.
To three ladies who keep me on track and without whom I’d be absolutely lost—my precious prayer partners and best friends, Joy Bollinger, Karen Chancellor, and Pat Stiehr. Love you guys lots!
To my aunt Julie; my mother-in-law Leona; and my sisters, Dee Dee, Mary, Pat, Rosie, Susie, Ellie, and Katie; and to my sisters-in-law, Diana, Mary, and Lisa—thank you for your love and support. When it comes to family, I definitely “fell in.”
To my daughter, Amy; son, Matt; and daughter-in-law, Katie—I love you to pieces. Not sure what I ever did to deserve blessings like you, but I refuse to look a gift horse in the mouth, so thank you, God!
To Keith Lessman—talk about God doing abundantly, exceedingly more than I could ever hope, think, or pray. When it comes to husbands, babe, you’re a grand slam.
And finally to the God of the universe, whose unfailing love keeps me afloat. Without you, I’d be up a creek instead of white-water rafting down rivers of grace.
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 the 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.
Also by Julie Lessman
* * *
The Daughters of Boston
A Passion Most Pure
A Passion Redeemed
A Passion Denied
Winds of Change
A Hope Undaunted
A Heart Revealed
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