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So Long Summer & Giveaway

August 25, 2015 By Julie Klassen

 

LRAaron 80

I cheer loudest for #80. 🙂

Change is in the air here in Minnesota. Mornings are getting cooler. Evenings are growing darker earlier. I’ve dug out my sweatshirts and fuzzy slippers, and attended my son’s first high school football game. Soon I will be switching out short sleeves for long, and rain gear for snow.

 

It’s transition time between writing projects as well. I’m winding down publicity for my summer release, turned in final galleys for my November release (e; print=Dec 1), and beginning to

Final Galleys

Final Galleys

focus full time on writing the next book, due to my editors in January. So, along with those summer clothes, it’s time to take down and store one set of bulletin board photos and replace them with photos and inspiration for the next project.

As I bid summer “sayonara and so long,” I thought it would be fun to mark the occasion with a final giveaway. LRaudiobooks_Lady MaybeBlackstone Audio sent me a few copies of the audio version of Lady Maybe and I’m listening to it now whenever I drive somewhere. (They create their own covers for some reason.) I love audiobooks. They make long drives and household chores pass so much more pleasantly. If you enjoy audiobooks as well, I hope you will enter the GIVEAWAY and win. Either way, warmest wishes for the new season ahead!

Are you sad to say “so long” to summer? What changes are in store for you this fall?

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Julie Klassen

JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Comments

  1. Courtney says

    August 25, 2015 at 4:47 am

    Yes, I am sad to say goodbye to summer! Like you, I have two sons, except mine are two years old and two weeks old. My husband is a teacher and will soon be going back to work and I wonder if I can handle these two all by myself. (My two year old is a handful and the baby literally nurses all the time.) That said, I can’t wait for your next book!

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 25, 2015 at 8:02 am

      Oh, Courtney, you are in such a busy, tiring season of life!I remember those short-leash nursing days (barely; it’s been a LONG time) and the endless needs of a two year old. Hang in there, my dear! And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

  2. Amanda D says

    August 25, 2015 at 5:35 am

    I also have two boys, 13 and 10. I never look forward to the end of summer. I enjoy our lazy days together although this will be the last year for me. After 6 years of being a stay at home mom, I’m back to working part time. I start today.

    I read your blog post regarding readers taking issue with scenes in Lady Maybe. I just read it and LOVED it! It was a stay up until 1 am because I need to finish it, read it in one day book. I am sorry people felt the need to tear you down over it. I think the message of forgiveness and God’s love will touch those who need it.

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 25, 2015 at 8:03 am

      Hi Amanda. Thank you for your encouraging comment. I really appreciate it. I hope your first day on the new job goes well!

  3. Deborah Raney says

    August 25, 2015 at 6:41 am

    That does it! Between you and Lynn’s physical inspiration bulletin boards, I’m going to have to go back to that! I keep my character photos as slide shows and desktop wallpaper on my laptop, but you’ve made me miss the days when I had actual photos on an actual bulletin board. Thanks for the inspiration!

    I’m never sad to say goodbye to summer. Fall is my absolute favorite season (although we’ve had the most amazing summer with tons of rain and cool weather…almost unheard of for August in Kansas!) I like all the seasons in Kansas, but I wish spring and fall each lasted longer.

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 25, 2015 at 8:04 am

      Yes, Deb. I have photos on my laptop, too. But I love being able to glance over and see all the main characters, settings, etc. right there on the wall. Glad you’re looking forward to Fall. Hope it’s a great one!

  4. Halee says

    August 25, 2015 at 7:36 am

    I’m homeschooled so I don’t have to go back-to-school! I’m looking forward to me and my family’s nature walks and park trips! Reading mysteries by the fire… Ahhh. And these next few months I’ll be studying the 18th and 19th century. So I’ll be reading LOTS of your books for regency education. I really hope I win this audiobook so I can listen to it at night when I’m falling asleep.

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 25, 2015 at 8:07 am

      Hi Halee. Wish my sons were even half as eager to read as you are! Hope you enjoy your studies this Fall. (And I don’t know how old you are, but Lady Maybe is probably best for older teens and up.)

  5. Carrie Turansky says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:03 am

    I love audio books too. I usually have one going all the time, but I listen to mine in the kitchen while I’m cooking or cleaning up. This was a different summer for me. I had Lyme disease and it took me a couple months to figure it out and then take the medication to beat it. I’m finally feeling better and I hope to get out and enjoy the last few weeks of warm weather. Blessings to you in this new season!

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 25, 2015 at 8:08 am

      Oh, Carrie. I’m sorry I didn’t know and sorry to hear you’ve had to struggle with Lyme disease. I’ve heard that’s really difficult. SO glad to hear you’re finally feeling better!

  6. Becky Wade says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:06 am

    I love audio books! Nowadays, it’s so very easy to download them onto my phone and listen to them whenever I’m in the car alone. I’m a fan!

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 25, 2015 at 8:11 am

      That’s a great idea, Becky. I should download more on my phone as well. But then I’d probably be wearing earbuds 24/7 like my kids… 🙂

  7. Sarah Trout says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:12 am

    Here in Texas we don’t have seasons, more like random cold spells and rainy burst… So all seasons of clothes are always handy. We wear shorts at Christmas some years! Crazy how hot it gets! We are starting our second year of homeschooling and planning for a big trip in the fall. I’m excited to visit my birthplace- Minnesota, Wisconsin, mackinac island and more! Hubby isn’t as thrilled to be in the car that long, but I’d love to pass the time with your book on tape- I’ve already read it and it’s fabulous!

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 25, 2015 at 8:40 am

      Thanks, Sarah. Glad you enjoyed Lady Maybe. And yes, I would miss seasons (sometimes you blink and DO miss fall here, going right into winter! 🙁 ) Hope you have a great trip. Love Mackinac Island!

  8. Rebecca Dewey says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:20 am

    For it’s time to put away the swimming pool and preparing for another year of homeschool. This is our first winter in our new home and my daughter is already talking about where to put the Christmas tree! : )

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 25, 2015 at 8:41 am

      What fun to experience so many firsts in your new home–enjoy each and every one!

  9. Gabrielle Meyer says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:23 am

    Yes, Fall is in the air, and it feels far too early! I have begun to get the cravings for pumpkins and bonfires and hayrides–but I wouldn’t mind a few more lake days, either. 🙂

    I bought Lady Maybe on Sunday night and started reading it yesterday. I’m totally engrossed, Julie! I’m 2/3 of the way through and I have no idea how it will end! Usually I’m pretty good at figuring out endings, but this story has me completely puzzled (which I love!).

    It was so nice to visit with you on Sunday. I’m going to try to make it to next month’s meeting to listen to Erica. The drive is long, but it’s a wonderful (and blessedly quiet) time to mull over my stories and pray for my friends and their writing. 🙂

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 25, 2015 at 8:47 am

      Hi Gabe. It was good for me to have that chance to talk with you on Sunday. Thanks for your empathetic ear! Thanks too for buying the book; glad to hear it has you intrigued. I’m happy to hear you hope to come down for next month’s meeting, too. Any time you want to come early and meet up, just let me know!

  10. kim amundsen says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:37 am

    Audio books are cool to listen to but until I cannot turn a page on a real book I will continue to read and turn the pages of a book.

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 25, 2015 at 10:54 am

      Yay for people who still love real books! I do, too. Though when driving, audiobooks are a wee bit safer. 🙂

  11. JenOttenhoff says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Change this fall comes in the form of a first grandson and a move to town after 44years

  12. JenOttenhoff says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:10 am

    Change this fall comes in the form of a first grandson and a move to town after 44 years in the country.
    I love audio books especially on the drive from Colorado to the mid-west to visit family. The long ride is so much better with that company.

    • Julie Klassen says

      August 25, 2015 at 10:53 am

      Congratulations on your first grandson, Jen!Great to hear from a fellow audiobook-lover. Hope the move goes well.

  13. Cyndi Wilson says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    I’m somewhat sad to see summer go but I LOVE the cooler temps… especially here in Alabama! 😉 Thanks for the giveaway! Love your books!

  14. Nancy Griggs says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    Hi Julie, summer was hard for me this year in Duluth. We had too many hot, humid days. I’m enjoying the cooler air right now. I can sleep so much better. I love audio books for when I get my macular degeneration shot in the eye once every two months. I have a hard time seeing the day of the shot so I like to listen to a book then.

  15. Patti Jo Moore says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    As Deb Raney said, I wish Fall and Spring would each last longer than they do! 😉
    Although I am *not* trying to hurry the days by (as I approach a milestone birthday – – YIKES) I am really, really looking forward to the Fall season – – my VERY favorite. Here in Georgia, after 3 months of heat and humidity, the Fall is always a welcome change. 🙂
    Congrats on your newest release and I’m so happy you’ve got more books coming – – YAY!! 🙂
    Hugs, Patti Jo

  16. Julianna Rowe says

    August 25, 2015 at 5:10 pm

    Hi Julie! I am so looking forward to cooler weather and resuming voice lessons with my teacher. I have been rather excited about it, as well as spending time with family over the Labor Day weekend. It kind of came as a nice surprise and really, a blessing as I had to delay heading off to school in MI until next semester. 🙂

  17. alyssaz says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    I’m kinda, sorta sad to see summer go. I enjoy being outside all the time, but I love fall colors, cozy sweaters, and hot drinks. Plus I have so many great things to look forward to September-January 🙂

  18. Christina Riggs says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:46 am

    Bring on the Fall. I’m tired of the heat. I love the rain. My son is all grown up, so I don’t have to worry about school. Whew! Just working and looking forward to the holidays with my family. Fall is so my favorite season, but living in Southern California doesn’t give us much opportunity for one.

  19. Martha Peace says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:12 am

    Love your books,thanks for a chance to win

  20. Linda D. McFarland says

    August 26, 2015 at 11:36 am

    I am always sad to see summer go…I am not a cold weather person! Would love to try an audio book, thanks for the opportunity to win!

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