9.21.2009

DEBUT BOOK OF THE YEAR goes to....


JULIE LESSMAN


for A Passion Most Pure


Here's what Julie had to say...

I JUST got home not two hours ago, and Denver was a blast!! It was a TOTAL SHOCK that I won Debut Book of the Year as I was told by the ACFW bookstore coordinator (a friend of mine) that two of the books I was up against were absolutely amazing, and another was by an author who had beat me out in several other contests, so I really did not hold out much hope.

They call the finalists' names and ask them to stand until they read the first line of the winning book (like the Christys). I was getting ready to sit down (because NO way did I expect to win) when I heard "Sisters are ..." and then like an ice-cream brain freeze, shock shot through me head to toe and I couldn't hear anything else, not my friends screaming behind me or applause or anything. I stumbled up to the stage the wrong way and had not even written a speech. But I got some laughs (and some tears) when I told them that the last time I was up on that stage, it was to receive the boobie prize (a lovely basket of books) for the most rejections in a year at the 2005 ACFW Conference. I told them that it was up to 19 that year but eventually rose to 45 rejections, 39 of which I garnered on my own before my agent took me under my wing and sold me in 3-book deal six months later. Grin ... apparently it inspired quite a few people, which is reallllly good! :)

I had emailed Julie to congratulate her on her award; she responded a little while ago, when she got back home. She is such a sweetheart, and a great friend! Congrats again, Julie!!! You have truly earned the award! :)

Thank you, again, for allowing me to post your response on my blog to share with everyone.

(To read my review for A Passion Most Pure, just click the title.)

6 comments:

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

This was a totally well deserved award! It was definitely my favorite book of 2008!

XOXO~ Renee
http://steelergirl83.blogspot.com

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

Mine too, Renee! :)

Julie Lessman said...

WHOA, baby, your "favorite book of 2008"???? Gosh, guys, hope you read more than one or two books last year ... :)

Thanks for your invaluable support Renee and Lori!

Hugs,
Julie

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

LOL Julie! I actually read it in 2009 (because I didn't get it until then), but since it was published in 2008, it's my fave '2008' book! hahaha

There aren't too many books that impress me as much as A Passion Most Pure. Only a couple of other books have had almost the same effect:

No Place for a Lady - Maggie Brendan

Beyond This Moment - Tamera Alexander ~ which I just read last week ~ it had me in tears multiple times!

Unknown said...

That is just awesome news, I am so happy for Julie!

Thanks for stopping by my blog, Lori! I'm going to follow ya, hope you don't mind! :)

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

Welcome, Ruth!

We are glad to have another "Julie" fan, aren't we girls?? The more the merrier! :)

Thank you for dropping by, and for following. I hope I don't bore you to death. hahaha

~ Lori