About the Book:
Night’s chill tickled her skin. Lonnie pressed her hands together and glanced up. He was even more handsome up close. Having grown up the shy, awkward daughter of Joel Sawyer, she’d hardly spoken to any boy, let alone the one who had mothers whispering warnings in their daughter’s ears and fathers loading shotguns.
Pretty Lonnie Sawyer is shy and innocent, used to fading into the background within her family, and among the creeks and hollows of the Appalachian hills. Though her family is poor and her father abusive, she clings to a quiet faith. But when handsome ladies’ man and bluegrass musician Gideon O’Riley steals a kiss, that one action seals her fate.
Her father forces her into a hasty marriage with Gideon—a man she barely knows and does not love. Equally frustrated and confused by his new responsibilities, Gideon yearns for a fresh start, forcing Lonnie on an arduous journey away from her home in Rocky Knob.
Her distant groom can’t seem to surrender his rage at the injustice of the forced matrimony or give Lonnie any claim in his life. What will it take for Gideon to give up his past, embrace Lonnie’s God, and discover a hope that can heal their two fractured hearts?
Gideon only ever cared about himself. Now that Lonnie is his wife, will he ever be worthy of her heart?
About the Author:
Visit her website: www.joannebischof.com
My Thoughts:
I just adored this novel - it is such a perfect example of what I LOVE about Christian fiction - a dash of mystery and intrigue, plenty of faith, and a dash of heartfelt romance.
Lonnie is such a striking character - very unassuming at first but evolves into such a dynamic and strong woman. Her story and how she gets involved with Gideon is so well-written that you feel like she is your long lost sister and you are right there with her as she is forced into a marriage she thinks she doesn't want, on a trip that she surely never asked to go on, and into a life that she never imagined could exist.
Gideon is the star of this novel, however. He is the guy you want so badly to hate but Ms. Bischof gives you such a glimpse at his weaknesses and demons that you end up sympathizing with him and rooting for him to find is footing and be the man he knows he should be.
The plot-line is engaging, hard to put down and keeps you on the edge of your seat. With assorted characters like Bert, Jebediah, Elise and Tal you feel like you are traipsing through the mountains of Virginia with Gideon as he enters and departs situation after situation.
I loved it...and I love even more that it is the first in a series - I am a huge fan of Joanne Bischof and her work and she is an author to follow for sure!
This sounds like one for me. I just read a Donna VanLiere book that I think you would like very much as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful review, Lindsay! This is surely one of my favorites of all time. I love seeing the story through your eyes and I'm so glad that you connected with the story. Also that you saw something redeemable in Gideon...that was one of my goals (and biggest challenges! lol) It was so fun chatting with you at the book club this month and I look forward to chatting about books more!
ReplyDeleteJoanne, I am so honored that you stopped by today! WOW! I have loved every minute of reading Be Still My Soul and am chomping at the bit to read more about Gideon and Lonnie!
ReplyDeleteI too look forward to chatting with you in the future!