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| The Lady And The Lionheart By Joanne Bischof |
The Lady And The Lionheart
By Joanne Bischof
Mason Jar Books, July 2016
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 Stars!~
(No spoilers!)
An Achingly Beautiful Novel!
Roanoke, Virginia 1890
Author Joanne Bischof has penned a poignant, hauntingly beautiful romance set amidst the exciting scents, sounds, and entertaining thrills of the Big Top—and of a lovely young woman who inadvertently gets tangled up in a web of darkness and secrets that takes place behind the scenes of this mysterious world.
After suffering from an unspeakable act at the age of fifteen, Ella Beckley lives an unobtrusive, quiet life as an employee for Dr. Penske—running errands, boiling water, and tidying the scullery. Deeply scarred by her past, her shame has driven her away from her home and God as well, and she is content to live her bleak, drab existence...that is until Charlie Lionheart enters her life. Mr. Lionheart is an enigma - a handsome, charming gypsy whose courageous act in the circus both terrifies and captivates thousands. He humbly cares for his pride of majestic lions with love and skill, and gives his very life in exchange for an orphaned baby—a trade that costs him a terribly high price.
Lionheart enlists Ella's help with the sick baby and as she arrives at the circus, her forbidden friendship with him deepens and she learns the true depth of this man's sacrifice for this gypsy child. Suffering in his own dark, secret world of adversity, will Lionheart's faith and love be the key that unlocks the suffocating fear that envelopes Ella—awakening the promise of new hope and inward healing—and perhaps even romance?
Breathtaking, fascinating, mesmerizing...there just aren't enough adjectives to describe this achingly beautiful novel! Charlie Lionheart was the ultimate hero, who with his animal magnetism (sorry - couldn't resist) not only held the captive audience in the palm of his hands, but my heart as well! The scenes with the massive lions were so well written and realistic, that I, too, felt the heart-pounding terror and fascination along with the crowd. Not to mention the angst-filled, toe-curling romance—ahh, such sweet torment. My emotions soared throughout this entire book and when I reached the lovely conclusion I sadly, with tear-filled eyes, said goodbye to some of the most endearing characters to ever grace the pages of a novel. As a matter of fact, please meet them below! Joanne Bischof has stolen my heart and deeply touched my soul with her writing, and I'm convinced she will yours, too.
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| The Heroes And Heroines From One Of My Fave Books Ever! (Used With Author's Permission ) |
GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of The Lady and the Lionheart will be given away to one blessed commenter! Be sure to leave your email written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers! (US Entrants Only)
Diana, thank you for your mesmerizing review of Joanne's beautiful novel!! It makes me long all the more for a chance to read it, but I take heart knowing it's sitting on my Kindle waiting for that opportunity! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, NOELA! I'm so thrilled you have a copy! You will totally lose your heart to Charlie Lionheart -- one of the best heroes ever! So be prepared! lol
DeleteHi Noela!! Thank you so much for your kind words. Isn't Diana's review beautiful!? I'm so excited for you to read this one and am doubly excited that it's already on your Kindle. It means a lot for you to have gotten it...thank you!
DeleteThank you, Joanne. Music to my ears that you enjoyed the review bc I certainly enjoyed the book!
DeleteOh I can't wait to read this one!!
ReplyDeletealander87(at)allcom(dot)net
ABBY, you will love it! Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteThanks Abby! :)
DeleteIt's been a while since I've read a book that's not "serious" or educational.... This review makes me want to read this Like yesterday! If I don't win the drawing I might have to ask for it for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteISABELLA, this would be the perfect Christmas gift! Or you can ask for an Amazon gift card and purchase it yourself! I love getting those Amazon gift cards in my stocking! Thank you for your kind words!
DeleteOh, BTW, Isabella, would you please leave your email addy so that in case your name is drawn I'll be able to contact you. Thanks so much! You can write it (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers!
DeleteIsabella - that's really neat to hear. I hope this story will be a special and rejuvenating read for you. And oh yes... Smiling to think of it going on your Christmas list!
DeleteDiana! Beautiful review. Don't you just love books that are so good, there are no words good enough to describe or rather there are just too many?!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to win this, especially with all the wave reviews I've been hearing!
Thank you,
Annie
JustcommonlyATgmailDOTcom
Thanks so much, ANNIE! I do love them, but it makes it harder to write a review. It's like how do I do this book justice? There are so many rave reviews and it's only been out for a little over three weeks, so I almost thought I was too late with mine. But there are still others that haven't read this awesome book, and this review is for them!
DeleteGreat seeing you, Annie! It's always fun to spot familiar names and faces. :) if you get a chance to read the book, it would be extra special to know your thoughts.
DeleteSounds very intriguing. I would like to read this one. Thank you for not including any spoilers. :-)
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add. ahenderson312(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteI try so hard not to include spoilers, MELISSA, because I want people to be able to read my review…the whole thing! I write a little more than the description on the book but am extremely careful! I know you'll enjoy this one, Melissa!
DeleteDidn't Diana do a lovely job, Melissa! Such a wonderfully written review.
DeleteJoanne, thank you!! You're too gracious.
DeleteWHOO HOO!!!!!!! THIS BOOKS SOUNDS SO GOOD! I've been DYING to read it! Circus reads are always great and after this review, it's jumped even higher on my MUST READ list! [if that's possible! ;) ]
ReplyDeleteMany Blessings, Amada (a.m.a.th.a)
amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom
AMADA, I always love to read your enthusiastic comments! I so hope you get the chance to read this ASAP! Thanks always for your kind words.
Delete:D Thank you! God Bless and keep you Diana!
DeleteHugs, A
Hi Amada! I see your name and remember just how to pronounce it! :) oh, I so hope you get a chance to read it! Touched that it's been on your radar and I hope it blesses you!
DeleteAmada, God's blessings and keeping power right back to you, sweetie!
Delete:D Thank you Joanne! :)
DeleteI would love to win this book. I have read everything I can find about it. As soon as I can go to a Christian Book Store I'm going to get it. We don't have one anymore in our city. Can't wait!
ReplyDeletegrandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com
Oh, I so hope you get a copy in your hands soon, BRENDA! It's definitely worth traveling a little way for!
DeleteGreetings Brenda!! How fun that you are on the hunt for a copy. :) When you get to the bookstore they will need to special order it ... But they can almost always order it online and can definitely get it directly through me.
DeleteAaah, a toe-curler. Classic! Lovely review blondie. Will this guy also enjoy this book you think?
ReplyDeleteLuke
Oh, most definitely. Charlie Lionheart loves excitement and dangerous situations, as do you, detective! If he was living in our lifetime, he would definitely surf. On the back of a lion, however. ;) Thanks so much, LUKE!
DeleteThanks for the thumbs up. It sounds exciting.
DeleteLuke
YW, Luke! It is indeed!
DeleteLuke - it's great to hear that the story intrigues you! I really hope you enjoy it and especially, as Diana mentioned, the adventurous side of the story. :)
DeleteDiana, I'm having so much fun imagining Charlie on a surf board!!!
DeleteLuke if you are into surfing you might enjoy my contemporary novel, To Get to You. A couple of pro surfers in that one. :)
Lol, Joanne. My imagination was working a bit overtime. Thanks for letting Luke know about To Get To You!
DeleteThanks ladies. Perhaps I will treat myself on both books. :-)
DeleteSo glad to know the book inside is as beautiful as it's gorgeous cover! Great review Diana!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
Oh, it certainly is that, HEIDI! So different than any book that I've read before. Thank you!
DeleteHeidi - so touched by your kind words! And yes...bravo Diana!!
DeleteLove your review. Makes me want to read it. Job well done, mdh. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, dear Dutchie! I hope you'll get the chance to read it soon!!
DeleteMarian - so wonderful to hear!
DeleteI'm already wanting to read this from all the terrific reviews I've read, yours has me mesmerized too :-) Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteteamob4 [at] gmail [dot] com
TRIXI, it will awaken every emotion you have. An amazing book!! Thank you!
DeleteTrixi - it's wonderful to hear that you've enjoyed the reviews! I'm excited for you to read the story :o)
DeleteI've been looking forward to this book! I'm so excited to read it! And this review makes me that much more eager!
ReplyDeleteElly -Indiana-
jcservantslaveATicloudDOTcom
Thanks, ELLY! Keep your fingers crossed! ;)
DeleteBig thanks Elly! I hope the story is a blessing to you.
DeleteSounds amazing! On my wanted list :)
ReplyDeletedkstevensne AToutlook(dot)com
Hi, DEANNA! I know you'll be thrilled by this one just as much as I was! I so appreciate you coming by!
DeleteThank you, Deanna! :)
DeleteWow, everyone is leaving such spectacular reviews for this book! I'm thinking I'll have to read it now. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! rachaeldalquist(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteOh, yes you must, RACHEL! I surely would have disliked missing out on this one. Thanks for dropping by!
DeleteRachael - that's so encouraging to hear. When you get a chance to read it, I really hope you enjoy Charlie and Ella's story!
DeleteThank you for this excellent review. I am so anxious to read this book!
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
You're welcome, CONNIE! Hoping you'll get a chance to read it very soon!
DeleteGreetings, Connie! So glad you found the giveaway.
DeleteI have really enjoyed any of Joanne's books that I've read and this one sounds very good! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeletewfnren at aol dot com
She is such a wonderful author, WENDY, and what I like about her books a lot is that they are somewhat "out of the box."
DeleteWendy, that is so kind of you! Thank you.
DeleteThis is a new author to me but I keep seeing the best of reviews for her. I would love to win a copy!!!
ReplyDeletedianemestrella at gmail dot com
I read her 1st series, DIANE, and it was phenomenal! And I knew this book would be as well! I hope you get the chance to get acquainted with Joanne's writing...you'll be so glad you did!
DeleteWarmest wishes to you, Diane! Thanks so much!
DeleteTHE LADY AND THE LIONHEART is such a lovely book, though it deals with a harsh subject. The imagery in this book is just so beautiful. The characters stayed with me for quite awhile after I finished reading. I would love to win a copy to give to my local library, since I have my own on my keeper shelf.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
The characters stayed with me for quite some time as well, PAM. Even after I finished reading the book, I still went back to pick up my Kindle to read some more. I just wasn't ready to let go yet, I guess. Thanks, PAM, and I know this wonderful book would make a fine addition to your library.
DeletePam, It's so special to see your comment. Thank you for sharing your sweet words on the story. Blessed by you and it means a lot to me that The Lady and the Lionheart was a meaningful read.
DeleteWhat a lovely cover. The book sounds like winner. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMarilynDKC[at[AOL[dot]com
I absolutely love the cover and everything about this book! I hope that you will be a winner as well, MARILYN, you never know! :)
DeleteThank you kindly!
DeleteThis sounds like a real interesting read. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.
ReplyDeleteJoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com
Hi, JOAN! It's totally intriguing and I believe you'll just love it! Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteLovely meeting you, Joan!
DeleteThank you for this generous giveaway. This book looks like my kind of book.
ReplyDeleteMarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com
You're quite welcome, MARION! I hope that you'll have the pleasure of reading it.
DeleteMarion, that's wonderful to hear! Thank you. :)
DeleteThis is a new author for me, but I have heard so many great things about this book...I am anxious to read it! Thanks for your review and giveaway.
ReplyDeletejacsmi75 at gmail dot com
I so hope you can get acquainted with Joanne's books asap, JACKIE! Her books are so awesome and just move me to tears (happy and sad) as some of my other long-time favorite authors' books do.
DeleteJackie, wonderful connecting with you here. It's so neat to know that you've spotted the book through Diana's lovely review. If you're able to read it, I hope it will be a special encouragement to you.
DeleteDIANA, I love your tantalizing review! I also LOVE Joanne's stories. This one is on my MUST read list!
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
You're so kind, CARYL. Thank you and yes, you MUST read this one :)
DeleteWaving to you, Caryl!! Always a joy seeing you :D
DeleteDiana, what a wonderful review. I almost became breathless just from your descriptions! I would love to read this book. Thanks som,inch for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletebettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
If you became breathless just from reading my review, wait until you read the book, BETTI! Thank you!!
DeleteBetti - how magnificent. Isn't Diana's review moving? Thrilled that the book sounds like one you'd enjoy. :)
DeleteI can't wait to read this one!! I keep hearing great things about it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for offering a copy!
sweets_719(at)hotmail(dot)com
Are you a morning person, A.M.? Sorry, I couldn't resist. Lol But I'm sure not! All the great things you have heard are true. Good luck and thanks for coming by OWG!!
DeleteThanks so much, A.M! That is always so special to hear!!
DeleteI've enjoyed Joanne Bischof's books in the past, especially her most recent YA book, To Get to You. I'm a mom of young teens, but I seriously can't resist good YA fiction. In fact, I had to buy a paperback copy for my keeper shelf. That being said, from all the "squeeze the heart out of your chest" reviews of The Lady and the Lionheart, I sense she has blown this one out of the water! Diana, to be honest, I don't like reading reviews or excerpts regardless of the "no spoilers" statement. I want to encounter EVERYTHING in a story on my own. Yet, I saw the words "mesmerizing," "breathtaking" and "achingly" and I couldn't resist. When a review gives me heart palpitations, you know the book has to be outstanding. :) tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteTERILL, I do understand that and sometimes I only skim the blurbs on certain books for the very reason you mentioned. But when I write reviews I don't add anything that isn't on the back of the book to spoil things for potential readers. I do add enough to make it my own. You just paid me one of the finest compliments a reviewer could receive and I thank you for that, my friend!
DeleteOh wow, Terrill, it was sheer glory reading your comment. Thank you for reading and loving To Get to You. That means the world to me!! And to know that you don't read reviews, but that Diana's words swept you away -- just amazing. I'm excited for you to read The Lady and the Lionheart and am so encouraged that you're looking forward to it so. Best wishes to you!
DeleteDIANA!!! I've heard from other reviewers this might be THE BEST BOOK of 2016. Your review seals it. This is one book I have GOT to read! Sneak my name in the hat ;)
ReplyDelete{{hugs}}
I started to put at the end of my review "if you don't read another book this year be sure to read this one", ANNE, but decided it might not be fair to authors whose books I haven't read yet. But the fact that I was going to write that says a lot! I'll gladly toss your name in the hat, my friend!
DeleteAnne, how sweet you are! I've been hearing that and it's got my jaw dropped each time. People have been so kind! I'm excited for you to read Charlie and Ella's story and pray that there is a special blessing within the pages meant for you!
DeleteBeautifully written review Diana! This is on my must have books list! I've heard nothing but praise about it. Nancycooks4u(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi, NANCEE! Thank you! I'm so excited for you to read this book and the rest of our viewers, too!
DeleteNancy, HONORED to have L&L on your must have list!
DeleteNice review. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteGreetings Kim :)
DeleteThanks, KIM! Blessings!
DeleteThis is the best cover image yet! cherryblossommj(at)gmail[dot]com
ReplyDeleteIsn't it the BoMb, MARGARET? Wonder if Joanne designed it? I believe she has the process on her author page as to how it was made.
DeleteMargaret, that is so kind of you!!
DeleteDiana - I did and it was a lot of fun :) (definitely my favorite!)
You are such a talented lady, Joanne! It's a gorgeous cover and the words within...well you know how I feel about that!
DeleteFingers and toes crossed to win this, as I want so much to read. TY for the chance and the nice review.
ReplyDeleteleliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
LUCY, thank you! Keep your fingers, toes, and legs crossed! Just don't cross your eyes because my mom used to tell me they would get stuck that way! Lol! Hope all that works for you. ;)
DeleteDIANA I had to go right over to Amazon and grab this with my Amazon birthday giftcards my two "angels" sent me! Can't wait to read it!! I need to catch up on a few more of Joanne's books too! Awesome Review, DIANA and Awesome Book, Joanne!! :-)
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad, TERESA! I hope you love it as much as I did!! You do have plenty of tissues, right?? Thanks, TERESA! You made my day. But then you always do! <3
DeleteCarrie, I'm so glad I got to meet you on Wednesday in the ice cream sundae line. Margaret Chind just told me about this and I can't wait to read it! Amy(dot)kittel(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi, AMY! I'm Diana, but I glad to know Carrie was in the ice cream sundae line. Hmm hmm! LOL! I'm glad you came by, AMY, and hope you get a copy of this wonderful book ASAP!
DeleteCongrats to Amada Chavez who won a copy of The Lady and the Lionheart! Thank you all for coming by! It was a blast!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I can't wait to get wrapped up in Charlie and Ella's story!
DeleteYou're welcome, AMADA, and wrapped up you will! Enjoy!!
DeleteCongratulations Amada Chavez. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteThank you Caryl! What a cool name you have! :) I love the spelling!
DeleteHugs, A
Congratulatilations to Amada Chavez on winning the book! I second Noela. That was a mesmerizing review, Diana!
ReplyDeleteALEXA, you're so very kind. Thank you!
DeleteThank you Alexa! :)
Delete