“A threefold cord is not quickly broken,” she whispered, thinking of all the times she and Patrick had cleaved to God for their strength over the years. A touch of melancholy stole into her thoughts. “Patrick?”
“Yes, darlin’?”
“It’s been such a wonderful year . . .” She swallowed hard, unbidden tears suddenly springing to her eyes. “I . . . almost don’t want it to end.”
He shifted to face her, still able to flutter her stomach with the look of love in his eyes. “Yes, a wonderful year is over, Marceline, closing another chapter in our lives, but . . .” He gave her a lingering kiss, and she tasted all the sweetness of the years when his mouth caressed hers. “We have a family of children who love us, a houseful of grandchildren who need us, and a God who’ll never forsake us. All in all . . . ,” his mouth trailed to hers, mingling with the salt of her tears, “it’s not an end, darlin’ . . . ,” he whispered, his words warm with promise. “Only a new beginning . . .”
Acknowledgments
To my incredible reader friends—when I count my blessings as an author, YOU are right at the top! It’s a privilege and joy to be both your friend and an author you read.
To Erica Hogan, Ashley Roberts, Carol Moncado, Emily Reilly, Kayla Hughes, and Eileen Jo Legat—winners of my contest to have a character named after them in this book—thank you, not only for your boundless enthusiasm and support, but your precious friendship.
To the Seekers—sisters all—when it comes to talent, humor, and support, you ladies rock!
To my agent, Natasha Kern, and my editor, Lonnie Hull Dupont—two of God’s many touches in my life—thank you for your faith in me.
To the great team at Revell, thank you for your patience and support—you guys are THE BEST!! Especially Cheryl Van Andel and Dan Thornberg for another great cover and Barb Barnes and Julie Davis, both of whom possess endless patience and a true talent for spit and polish.
To my prayer partners and best friends, Karen, Pat, and Joy—what a touch from God you are in my life!
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—I am blessed to call you family.
To my daughter, Amy, my son, Matt, and daughter-in-law, Katie—true examples of God doing abundantly, exceedingly more than I ever hoped, thought, or prayed. I love you guys!
To my husband and best friend, Keith—my Patrick O’Connor—thank you for giving me my own personal romance novel on which to base Marcy and Patrick’s marriage. As Marcy says to Patrick midbook, I would be lost without you.
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. American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and winner of 14 RWA awards, Julie Lessman was voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, #1 Historical Fiction Author, #3 Author, #4 Novel, #3 Series, and Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction. Julie resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. You can contact her through her website at www.julielessman.com, where you can also read excerpts from each of her books.
Books by Julie Lessman
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THE DAUGHTERS OF BOSTON
A Passion Most Pure
A Passion Redeemed
A Passion Denied
WINDS OF CHANGE
A Hope Undaunted
A Heart Revealed
A Love Surrendered
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Julie Lessman, A Love Surrendered
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