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10 April 2013

Diana Flowers Reviews Though My Heart Is Torn by Joanne Bischof


Though My Heart Is Torn


Multnomah Publishing, 2013

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~5 stars*****
*WARNING--May contain some spoilers if you haven't read Book One-Be Still My Soul, however, this may be read as a stand alone novel.*




Absolutely Riveting!

In Though My Heart Is Torn, author Joanne Bischof has crafted a fascinating tale of unrequited love, haunting past secrets, and intense passion -- set against the backdrop of the majestic, pine filled forests of the Appalachian hills.

After much agony of soul and many tribulations, Lonnie and Gideon have finally found happiness together away from the home of their childhood, Rocky Knob. They have fallen in love and enjoy their peaceful everyday existence with their young son, Jacob. That is until the dreadful day Lonnie receives a letter from her father urging her and Gideon to return to Rocky Knob, under the pretense that her mother's health is failing.

Once there, a beautiful young woman, Cassie Allan, steps forward with unbelievable accusations against Gideon and Lonnie finds her happy life crumbling all about her. Lonnie is stunned by these shocking revelations, and against her will must learn to follow a new path -- one that is going to take all the strength she has -- and one that does not include Gideon.

Gideon is left behind to endure the dark hour of his soul and reap the repercussions of his past. His bitterness towards Cassie almost destroys the both of them, and Gid's fledgling faith is sorely tested. Can he and Lonnie surrender one another to a God with a bigger plan for each of their lives? And what of Cassie?...and the lessons she must learn?

This book was unbelievable! Joanne Bischof has made it on my top ten list of favorite authors with her debut series, Be Still My Soul and Though My Heart Is Torn! Although this book continues where the first one leaves off, both may be read as stand alones, but who wants to read just one? Filled with twists and turns and a totally unpredictable conclusion, I was mesmerized from beginning to end. Ms. Bischof's use of descriptive imagery is amazing, her characters realistically human, and her storyline is definitely not cushy and sugarcoated. There are repercussions for sin and hard lessons to be learned! I am duly impressed, Joanne Bischof! Nicely done!

I received a copy of this novel from Multnomah Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book may be purchased through CBD, Amazon, and your local bookstore.
_________________________________________
GIVEAWAY: A book by Joanne Bischof of your choice! Answer the question and leave your email address to be entered in the contest.

QUESTION: Have you ever had to reap serious repercussions from past sins or poor decisions you have made in your life? 

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76 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 10, 2013 at 2:22 AM

    I can actually never remember anything that ever had serious repercussions. I'm not trying to say I never made any wrong decisions, but no serious that caused big problems. Sure would love to win Joanne's book.
    Maxie

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 8:26 AM

      Good morning MAXIE! I wish I could say the same. :( But I'm a Christian now, and all of those things are forgotten by Him!

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 4:03 PM

      Hi, Maxie! So great to see you here!

      Delete
  2. chappydebbieApril 10, 2013 at 2:35 AM

    Great review! I love Joanne's books! She is a wonderful writer. I can't wait for her to be on my blog. I recommend reading them in order to get the full effect of these characters. Can't wait to read book 3! God bless!

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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 8:30 AM

      DEBBIE, I agree with everything you said! Even though this is Joanne's newest release, she and I wanted to put them in order since it is a continuing story. I can't wait for the conclusion! This book was so heartrending, but juicy! lol

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 4:05 PM

      Debbie, you are always such an encouragement. SO blessed by you!

      Delete
  3. AnonymousApril 10, 2013 at 3:09 AM

    I have had to pau for lazyness. It catches up with you. I am praying I win the book. I love God, I love reading, and I love an inspiring love story. I just love how she add the three together and made a perfect book. elizabethcuster5@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 8:32 AM

      LOL, ELIZABETH! Yes, it will, especially when the laundry and dishes start piling up! I try to get all that done first and then I can relax and read. :)

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 4:05 PM

      Elizabeth- It's such a joy to see you here again! I am so glad you found the links to the giveaways and thrilled that you are entered! THANK YOU for your sweet words!

      Delete
  4. UnknownApril 10, 2013 at 7:23 AM

    WOW DIANA, fabulous review!!! I haven't actually read it though, lol, but I know you only ever write amazing reviews so I know I'm right!! The reason I'm not reading this one is because I'm really keen on reading both of these books as soon as possible and I saw your note about possible spoilers. :)

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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 8:34 AM

      You're so funny, NOELA! Definitely spoilers that I couldn't help since this is a continuing story with same characters. Did you put your hand over the top of the screen? lol

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 4:08 PM

      Good afternoon, Noela!
      I'm so glad you want to read the books close together. I think you'll really enjoy the series the best by reading Be Still My Soul first. I think Diana handled he review so well, just enough to hint at what's to come :D So happy to see you again!

      Delete
  5. Rosemary FoleyApril 10, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    What a great review !!!!!! thanks so much !!! I really want to read these books... your review did that !! :-) good luck to all, but I still hope I win :-) !!

    My only repercussion, I married very young and it didn't work out.. I was so very young..

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 8:37 AM

      Oh, I'm sorry about your failed marriage, ROSEMARY. I thought I knew it all when I was young. But on a happier note, I'm so glad you want to read Joanne's books and that you enjoyed the reviews! :)

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 4:09 PM

      Rosemary-
      So great to see your comment here! I hope you are having a wonderful day!

      Delete
  6. Debbie CurtoApril 10, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    yes my past sucide attempts even thought I suffered from maniac depression and I know it was from the illness. My daughter reminds me all the time about them

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 8:58 AM

      Oh, DEBBIE. I am so very sorry. I pray that you are feeling better now, and am so glad you sought help. I'm also sooo glad you are still here with us! ~Bless you~

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 4:09 PM

      Saying a prayer for encouragement for you today Debbie!

      Delete
    3. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 10, 2013 at 8:12 PM

      Praying for you, Debbie. Am so sorry your daughter says anything about this. Hang in there.

      Delete
  7. Books by Joi CopelandApril 10, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    Yes I have. My husband and I made poor financials decisions and are still paying for them. But God is good and always provides! Thanks for this opportunity!
    Joi
    booksbyjoiatcopelandclandotcom

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    Replies
    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 9:00 AM

      That's one I have heard and seen from so many couples, and God will help us out of debt or any other problem we face. Thanks for sharing, JOI!

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 4:10 PM

      God IS so good, Joi! So nice to meet you!

      Delete
    3. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 14, 2013 at 5:10 PM

      JOI, Congrats! You have won a book by JOANNE!!! Blessings!

      Delete
  8. Mrs TinaApril 10, 2013 at 9:44 AM

    Great review....
    I read the first book and would like to see how the story continues and would love to win a copy of this book.....thanks for offering this contest....

    Blessings,Tina
    tfrice@comcast.net

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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 9:53 AM

      The second book is even better than the first, TINA, if that's possible! Good luck to you!

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 4:11 PM

      Isn't it a great review? Diana did such a lovely job. I'm so glad you are looking forward to more of Lonnie and Gid's story!

      Delete
  9. AnonymousApril 10, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    I have never read any of Joanne's books, but I am glad to find her. I will be picking up the first one in this series.

    Amy
    amyandrews@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 9:54 AM

      Please do, AMY! Maybe you will win it here. You will have to read the second one once you read Be Still My Soul!

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 4:12 PM

      I'm glad to have found you too, Amy! Just touched that you plan on picking up Be Still My Soul. I pray it blesses you!

      Delete
  10. Carrie TuranskyApril 10, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    I can't wait to read this one! Thanks Diana!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 9:55 AM

      CARRIE, what a delight to see you as always! This is an awesome read...I know I sound like a broken record. lol

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 4:13 PM

      I'm so glad that you're looking forward to this one. Hugs, Carrie!

      Delete
  11. spangldladyApril 10, 2013 at 10:33 AM

    Well, I had to delete that comment because I forgot to address the question! :( I don't think I have ever had to reap any kind of repercussions [except in my own mind] for poor decisions I have made but I have made plenty of those!!!
    Diana, another one of your spot-on reviews. Now I am anxious to read both of Joanne's books! I'd love to win this one but think I would start with the first one given a choice so I would be ready for this one. By the way I love the look of OWG now, it is bright and happy [pretty in pink :D] Blessings! Darlene
    spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 10:46 AM

      Thank you, DARLENE! Yes, the first book leads right into the second one so that would be a good choice. Marian changed the blog for our PINK PARTY which we had last week to celebrate the publication of CARRIE'S new book, and we decided to leave it up for month of April and then back to our regular blog design. Love it but my eyes start crossing when I have to scroll! lol

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 4:15 PM

      So happy to hear it Darlene! If you win, I'll be sure to send you a copy of Be Still My Soul so you can have the story right from the beginning. Best wishes!

      Delete
  12. Rhonda's DoingsApril 10, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    I loved your first book, Joanne and really want this one! Thanks! Rhonda
    rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 5:10 PM

      Thanks so much, Rhonda. I'm so glad to hear it! I hope you are having a lovely day!

      Delete
    2. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 5:40 PM

      RHONDA, do you have an answer to the question I posed above? Thanks! :)

      Delete
  13. Pam K.April 10, 2013 at 6:04 PM

    Yes, I've experienced serious repercussions from poor decisions. Unfortunately, I was not the only one affected; my children were as well. I know I'm a better person now for having gone through this, but I'm sorry my kids had to go through it. It's sad that we sometimes have to go through something bad before we can learn.
    Thanks for the review and giveaway. I'd love to win a copy of Though My Heart is Torn.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 6:38 PM

      Hi PAM. Thank you for showing an interest in Joanne's books! We all make mistakes and the main thing is that we learn from them and don't do a repeat performance. :)

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 7:22 PM

      Hi Pam! What a blessing how God allows us to walk through those trials and come out on the other side with lessons learned. Warmest wishes to you and your family!

      Delete
  14. Mary PrestonApril 10, 2013 at 6:07 PM

    Poor judgement and bad decisions on my part certainly did have serious repercussions, but thankfully life is now rather wonderful.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 6:39 PM

      MARY, it's so wonderful to hear you say your life is wonderful! lol God Bless!~

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 7:22 PM

      Most definitely something to rejoice for, Mary. So great to see you here!

      Delete
  15. Megan ParsonsApril 10, 2013 at 6:20 PM

    I have had a few of those bad decisions in my time and am still paying dearly for it. I try not to be hard on myself about the bad decisions, because they are what make us learn! I wouldn't be where I am today without my past good or bad.
    makeighleekyleigh at yahoo dot com OWG

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 6:44 PM

      MEGAN, nice to see you again! You have a great attitude. God is still in control and He uses our past to make us who we are today; you're so right!

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 10, 2013 at 7:23 PM

      It truly is our past that shapes us in so many ways isn't it, Megan? So glad to hear of your view on it. Thanks for stopping in today for the review and giveaway!

      Delete
  16. Carrie Fancett PagelsApril 10, 2013 at 8:16 PM

    DIANA, I have made so many dumb decisions which brought about serious repercussions, that I couldn't list them all here! They were mostly made when I was not living a Christian life. PTL, since I gave my life over to the Lord I've made fewer of those mistakes. I love the Blue Ridge Mts. and have a couple of stories set there and would love to read Joanne's books and pray time will permit me to do so soon.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 9:51 PM

      I want you to list them all here so we can read them. lol These books are so enjoyable, CARRIE. I love the descriptive setting of the Appalachians and the unpredictable storyline in each of these books! Joanne is a wonderful author.

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 11, 2013 at 3:36 PM

      You are so sweet, Carrie. I hope you'll get the chance but I also know how busy life can be especially with writing and editing :) I love that you have stories set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's such a special place.

      Delete
  17. MelodyApril 10, 2013 at 8:33 PM

    As for me - not really BUT our son's sin caught up with him & at 26 he has been in prison since he was 19 - 2 more years to go. His sins & punishment reaped havoc on our family - without the Lord I haven't a thought of how we would have survived!

    Everything seems so dramatic in our life - geeze!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 9:57 PM

      I am so sorry about your son, MELODY. I can only imagine the toil this has taken on you. There's nothing like a mother's love. Praying for you and your family. ~Blessings~

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 11, 2013 at 3:36 PM

      The Lord really does see us through any trial, doesn't He? God is so good.

      Delete
  18. susanluluApril 10, 2013 at 10:17 PM

    My poor decisions lead straight to my "big mouth!" It seems like I can control myself in all areas pretty well except for this!
    Would love to read this book!
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 11:06 PM

      SUSAN, I can totally identify! Open mouth--insert both feet--that's me. lol Good luck in the drawing!

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 11, 2013 at 3:37 PM

      Susan- thanks so much for stopping by today!

      Delete
  19. apple blossomApril 10, 2013 at 10:48 PM

    I can't say I've had to reap over bad decisions made; I'm truly grateful for that

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersApril 10, 2013 at 11:03 PM

      You are one smart lady! Thanks for coming by, APPLEBLOSSOM!

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 11, 2013 at 3:37 PM

      Hi Apple Blossom! So great seeing you here today!

      Delete
  20. Jon and Vicki MarneyApril 11, 2013 at 4:02 AM

    I can't think of anytime that my decisions have caused me to reap serious repercussions--thank the Lord! I love hearing testimonies of people who God has redeemed and their lives have changed, but sometimes we tend to forget that some peoples lives are a testimony to their strong convictions and strength to follow Him without having to make some of those mistakes--they learn from OTHER's mistakes. Please don't think that means I have not made mistakes--there have been PLENTY--just haven't had any that caused SERIOUS repercussions...

    Loved your reviews as usual, and would LOVE to win one of Joanne's books!
    Vicki OWG

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana FlowersApril 11, 2013 at 10:56 AM

      Thanks, VICKI! Are you still in Italy? Having fun? Dumb question I suppose. :/ I did some dumb stuff before I got saved, but never got into anything real bad. I switched churches (without God's ok) and suffered serious repercussions from that which I shared on the blog before. But it got me to where I am, so God takes that that the enemy means for bad and turns it into good, in spite of ourselves!

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 11, 2013 at 3:38 PM

      That really is the key isn't it, Vicki? :) Not so much what has happened, but what good God can use it for. I'm so glad you're entered in the giveaway!

      Delete
    3. Jon and Vicki MarneyApril 11, 2013 at 9:39 PM

      Yes Diana, I am still in Italy for another week and we are going to Venice this weekend with plans for a gondola ride--hoping our April Fool's joke won't jinx us and find ourselves in the water. ;-) then next weekend, on to Rome (been in Milan for these past 3, going on 4 weeks). God has been so good to us and blessed us with this position that allows for travel, including our chance to reconnect with you! Next month, back in the states...

      Delete
    4. Diana FlowersApril 11, 2013 at 9:48 PM

      I would love to go for a gondola ride...but not with this vertigo! Even the water in the bathtub throws me off. I don't soak in the tub anymore like I used to. Yes, God has blessed you and I'm so happy for you!

      Delete
  21. UnknownApril 11, 2013 at 9:48 AM

    I dont remember anything that ever had serious repercussions. but if there was God has forgiven me, book one was great now for book too, i really want and need to win, thanks
    Shirley OWG

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana FlowersApril 11, 2013 at 10:51 AM

      Book Two is fabulous, SHIRLEY! I can't wait for Book Three now!

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 11, 2013 at 3:38 PM

      I'm so glad to hear it, Shirley! Blessings on your day!

      Delete
  22. SharmaApril 11, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    I've never had to reap serious repercussions . Sharma Darby rdarby@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana FlowersApril 11, 2013 at 2:49 PM

      Then you are a wisdom-filled girl, SHARMA. What a lovely name you have! :)

      Delete
    2. Joanne BischofApril 11, 2013 at 3:39 PM

      Glad you're entered, Sharma! :)

      Delete
  23. Jalynn PattersonApril 11, 2013 at 10:48 PM

    I don't remember anything really serious. Enjoyed the review!


    Blessings,
    Jalynn
    pattersonmom24@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana FlowersApril 12, 2013 at 10:59 AM

      Thanks for coming by, JALYNN! Beautiful name by the way and one I haven't heard before. :)

      Delete
  24. MarissaApril 12, 2013 at 12:27 AM

    I'm pretty young, so I haven't had a lot of time to reap serious repercussions, but if I do one day, I know it's because God is pruning me.

    Can't wait to read Book Two!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana FlowersApril 12, 2013 at 11:01 AM

      Yes, MARISSA, and some of us need alot more pruning than others. Like moi. :( No, I haven't been too bad, but I have had to suffer my share of repercussions. lol

      Delete
  25. MerryApril 13, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    Yes. A very bad decision led to years of overcoming the effects of an abusive relationship. I am so thankful for the love of God, His mercy and grace.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

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