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A Whim and a Prayer
479 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2026
About the author
Julie Lessman
48 books1,327 followersJulie 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, and Heart of San Francisco series, Julie Lessman was named American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered 18 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also named on Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction list.
Julie’s first contemporary novel, Isle of Hope, was voted on Family Fiction magazine’s “Best of 2015” list, and Surprised by Love appeared on Family Fiction magazine’s list of “Top Ten Novels of 2014.” Her independent novel A Light in the Window is 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. You can contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.
Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart of San Francisco series, Julie Lessman was named American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered 18 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also named on Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction list.
Julie’s first contemporary novel, Isle of Hope, was voted on Family Fiction magazine’s “Best of 2015” list, and Surprised by Love appeared on Family Fiction magazine’s list of “Top Ten Novels of 2014.” Her independent novel A Light in the Window is 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. You can contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 17, 2026
I should warn you that if you get a "whim" to read this book, you may lose significant sleep. Personally, I read the entire last third in one go because once I hit it, I absolutely had to know what happened and how everything resolved. Yet in true Julie Lessman fashion, the entire story is absolutely lovely. I was thrilled to reunite with the cousins O'Connor and the entire clan, and especially to get to know Beck and Winnie.
Winnie and Beck have one of the best "friends to lovers" stories I have ever seen. Their early years at the orphanage are nothing short of touching, but even then you can see real hints of who they will grow up to be and how they will support each other. Better, Beck does continue protecting Winnie, and Winnie remains a whimsical yet rebellious young woman. Yet the entire romance is not about Winnie being "book smart and street stupid," or Beck having to "save" her all the time. Rather, both find their assumptions about each other challenged to the core. They experience blistering chemistry onstage and off. And as is said at one point, love *and* friendship get to reign.
The characters in themselves are wonderful as always. As a professional writer who grew up on musicals and still adores theater, I could identify with Winnie's personality if not her rebellious streak. Yet yes, like Winnie, I am determined to assert independence and autonomy--sometimes to my spiritual detriment--and have pushed back against people or situations that make me feel stifled. Additionally, Winnie's revelations regarding why she can't move to the next level with Beck, absolutely broke my heart. More than once, I closed my eyes and breathed, "Oh, sweetie. Oh, baby, no." But Winnie Dennehy is anything but pitiable or a victim. She's strong when, and because, she finally lets herself be soft.
As for Beck, I admit my doubts about him at times. He sometimes came off as having a little too much Frank Butler--or Mitch Dennehy--in him, especially when he accused Winnie of "running the show." My twenty-first century mind kind of went, "Oh, and men don't? Look at your era, pal--men hold all the cards." But that's the thing--I have a *twenty-first century* mindset. Once I stepped back, I saw Beck for the gentle and patient guy he was--and the gritty, determined guy he had to be, in order to show real love. That's not an easy balance to pull off, and Julie has done it plenty of times. Beck Campbell does stand out though, because Winnie isn't his "damsel in distress." Deep friendship undergirds his love whether he wants that or not, and it tempers him as much as it does her.
The plot itself surprised me at every turn with its understated complexity. Yes, Julie does pull off one of the big twists she's famous for. Yet beyond that, we get plenty of family love--and family tension--at all levels of the O'Connor clan. We get incredible drama of all kinds, a lot of which could've been overblown but comes off great because of the author's incredibly deft hand. We get a unique and somewhat understated romance--although, those scenes with the claddagh? *Swooning all over the place!*
Finally and as always, Julie's spiritual threads are great. Again, this isn't the first time she's written a "good boy and 'bad' girl" scenario. She's done it great with Charity, with Gabe, and in her other series with characters like Cat. But Winnie's journey is more coupled with Beck's, so that it doesn't become a "conversion" issue. Beck has to surrender too, and he has to let the Spirit lead in some extremely tough circumstances.
The spiritual threads and interactions I loved most though, happen between Winnie and Charity. As a woman who considers her mom her "sidekick" and has also butted heads with both parents (again, the independence thing), my heart squeezed and broke for mother and daughter. I rooted for them to find common ground--ground that, as Charity hints, doesn't always hinge on rebellion. And yes, as I have said in other reviews, I am in *love* with Charity's character growth. I feel like this is the heroine of Julie's heart, and although she drove me mad at times, I have cheered for her through nine books and over forty years on the timeline. Seeing her as she is now--well, look at God!
I did wonder about a couple of spots, such as some conflicts and questions between Henry and Amy that weren't resolved, or why Beck ever considered the priesthood (it's brought up but doesn't become a major plot point). But the rest of the story is so good, I won't be taking stars. What I will be taking though, is an opportunity to reread at least some of the O'Connor saga--I mean, this thing is better than The Waltons, by a long shot. :) I cannot wait to see whose story comes next and pray Julie can write fast!
Winnie and Beck have one of the best "friends to lovers" stories I have ever seen. Their early years at the orphanage are nothing short of touching, but even then you can see real hints of who they will grow up to be and how they will support each other. Better, Beck does continue protecting Winnie, and Winnie remains a whimsical yet rebellious young woman. Yet the entire romance is not about Winnie being "book smart and street stupid," or Beck having to "save" her all the time. Rather, both find their assumptions about each other challenged to the core. They experience blistering chemistry onstage and off. And as is said at one point, love *and* friendship get to reign.
The characters in themselves are wonderful as always. As a professional writer who grew up on musicals and still adores theater, I could identify with Winnie's personality if not her rebellious streak. Yet yes, like Winnie, I am determined to assert independence and autonomy--sometimes to my spiritual detriment--and have pushed back against people or situations that make me feel stifled. Additionally, Winnie's revelations regarding why she can't move to the next level with Beck, absolutely broke my heart. More than once, I closed my eyes and breathed, "Oh, sweetie. Oh, baby, no." But Winnie Dennehy is anything but pitiable or a victim. She's strong when, and because, she finally lets herself be soft.
As for Beck, I admit my doubts about him at times. He sometimes came off as having a little too much Frank Butler--or Mitch Dennehy--in him, especially when he accused Winnie of "running the show." My twenty-first century mind kind of went, "Oh, and men don't? Look at your era, pal--men hold all the cards." But that's the thing--I have a *twenty-first century* mindset. Once I stepped back, I saw Beck for the gentle and patient guy he was--and the gritty, determined guy he had to be, in order to show real love. That's not an easy balance to pull off, and Julie has done it plenty of times. Beck Campbell does stand out though, because Winnie isn't his "damsel in distress." Deep friendship undergirds his love whether he wants that or not, and it tempers him as much as it does her.
The plot itself surprised me at every turn with its understated complexity. Yes, Julie does pull off one of the big twists she's famous for. Yet beyond that, we get plenty of family love--and family tension--at all levels of the O'Connor clan. We get incredible drama of all kinds, a lot of which could've been overblown but comes off great because of the author's incredibly deft hand. We get a unique and somewhat understated romance--although, those scenes with the claddagh? *Swooning all over the place!*
Finally and as always, Julie's spiritual threads are great. Again, this isn't the first time she's written a "good boy and 'bad' girl" scenario. She's done it great with Charity, with Gabe, and in her other series with characters like Cat. But Winnie's journey is more coupled with Beck's, so that it doesn't become a "conversion" issue. Beck has to surrender too, and he has to let the Spirit lead in some extremely tough circumstances.
The spiritual threads and interactions I loved most though, happen between Winnie and Charity. As a woman who considers her mom her "sidekick" and has also butted heads with both parents (again, the independence thing), my heart squeezed and broke for mother and daughter. I rooted for them to find common ground--ground that, as Charity hints, doesn't always hinge on rebellion. And yes, as I have said in other reviews, I am in *love* with Charity's character growth. I feel like this is the heroine of Julie's heart, and although she drove me mad at times, I have cheered for her through nine books and over forty years on the timeline. Seeing her as she is now--well, look at God!
I did wonder about a couple of spots, such as some conflicts and questions between Henry and Amy that weren't resolved, or why Beck ever considered the priesthood (it's brought up but doesn't become a major plot point). But the rest of the story is so good, I won't be taking stars. What I will be taking though, is an opportunity to reread at least some of the O'Connor saga--I mean, this thing is better than The Waltons, by a long shot. :) I cannot wait to see whose story comes next and pray Julie can write fast!
August 29, 2026
Mitch and Charity's adopted daughter Winnie is more like Charity than Charity's own children. Bent on having her own way Winnie constantly butts heads with Charity. While Winnie is grateful for all that her parents have done for her, she feels constricted by her mother's rules.
Winnie's best friend Beckett has always had Winnie's back from the time Winnie was dropped off at the orphanage. Winnie has always felt the sting of abandonment. Her one constant in life is Beckett. Winnie will do anything in order to preserve her and Beckett's friendship. Even chasing other men in order to avoid the strong attraction between her and Beckett after a steamy kiss in their performance of a play. Winnie is bent on living her life "spontaneously," but her friends see her living it on a whim. Can Winnie's family show her the love that passes all understanding and finally reach a heart that has been hurt?
Author Julie Lessman always knows how to make her characters have such wonderful spiritual "ah ha" moments. Winnie is no exception. From not wanting anything to do with a God who she feels rejected her, Winnie learns that He has been with her every step of her life. I love Beckett! He is patient, kind and loving to Winnie even in her zaniest moments. The O'Connor family has expanded so much that it is hard to keep track of all of them, but we do get a peek at some. And let's not forget what Julie Lessman is known for...those steamy kisses! They are not lacking in this book! A Whim and a Prayer keeps the reader turning the pages and praying for the perfect ending that we know is always the outcome of the author's characters. As always, I highly recommend you read this book!
Winnie's best friend Beckett has always had Winnie's back from the time Winnie was dropped off at the orphanage. Winnie has always felt the sting of abandonment. Her one constant in life is Beckett. Winnie will do anything in order to preserve her and Beckett's friendship. Even chasing other men in order to avoid the strong attraction between her and Beckett after a steamy kiss in their performance of a play. Winnie is bent on living her life "spontaneously," but her friends see her living it on a whim. Can Winnie's family show her the love that passes all understanding and finally reach a heart that has been hurt?
Author Julie Lessman always knows how to make her characters have such wonderful spiritual "ah ha" moments. Winnie is no exception. From not wanting anything to do with a God who she feels rejected her, Winnie learns that He has been with her every step of her life. I love Beckett! He is patient, kind and loving to Winnie even in her zaniest moments. The O'Connor family has expanded so much that it is hard to keep track of all of them, but we do get a peek at some. And let's not forget what Julie Lessman is known for...those steamy kisses! They are not lacking in this book! A Whim and a Prayer keeps the reader turning the pages and praying for the perfect ending that we know is always the outcome of the author's characters. As always, I highly recommend you read this book!
September 13, 2026
Winnie and Beckett's story, continuing on the O'Connor family saga with grandchildren of Marcy and Patrick, children of Charity and Mitch, cousins /nieces/nephew to aunts and uncles that have had their story written.
Family gatherings of meals and games (traditions) nothing like I know or experienced (yes, I'm envious of this fiction family.) Plus, the spiritual aspect that Julie writes about but not for the setting of 1946 but for 2026. Do we see ourselves in God's eyes of ourselves or critically judge ourselves, that God is wasting his time with love and grace for us/me?
(I think of rereading Gabe and Alex's story another orphanage experience.)
Not sure where the next material will come from, but Faith's girls might be something I'd read, Teddy and Will?
Family gatherings of meals and games (traditions) nothing like I know or experienced (yes, I'm envious of this fiction family.) Plus, the spiritual aspect that Julie writes about but not for the setting of 1946 but for 2026. Do we see ourselves in God's eyes of ourselves or critically judge ourselves, that God is wasting his time with love and grace for us/me?
(I think of rereading Gabe and Alex's story another orphanage experience.)
Not sure where the next material will come from, but Faith's girls might be something I'd read, Teddy and Will?
September 16, 2026
Lessman has crafted an exquisite masterpiece! I adore Clan O'Connor. I so appreciate the spiritual truths and hope woven within the pages. May we experience His lavish love for us as Winnie did.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational romance.
I borrowed a copy from KU. I have expressed my honest view.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational romance.
I borrowed a copy from KU. I have expressed my honest view.
September 17, 2026
I have really enjoyed this series, but I didn't enjoy this book. It was lacking story with historical background. It seemed to be mostly angst between Winnie (with her issues) and Beck & Charity. It needed more storyline outside of this. The overall theme of finding your worth and love in Christ is good.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews