Diana's Review Of The Lady And The Lionheart By Joanne Bischof

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.

The Heroes And Heroines From One Of  My Fave Books Ever! (Used With Author's Permission )

This book may be purchased through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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)

Bonnie reviews The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

The Lady and the Lionheart

The Lady and the Lionheart
by Joanne Bischof
Mason Jar Books (July 26, 2016)

Reviewed by Bonnie Roof
5 Stars *****

"Permanent may be the scars that we bear, but there is a love that makes all things new".

Roanoke, Virginia - Spring 1890

Lugging an armload of linens up the stairs, Ella Beckley hears violent footsteps from behind before a bear of a man rushes past with a baby in his arms, nearly crashing into her and scattering the linens. Ella, a woman with little schooling and self-taught nursing skills, works in the scullery of Dr. Penske's private practice - which caters to Roanoke's upper crust. Thus begins her relationship with Charlie Lionheart, a Romani Gypsy descendant and lion tamer with Graven Brothers Circus - which has been stranded and detained in the town by unexpected snow.

Assisting with patients only when necessary, Ella has never treated a patient herself. Too quickly diagnosing the baby as having a simple fever, the doctor assigns Ella to her care. With gentle but intensive protectiveness, Charlie remains by the baby's bed overnight - soothing her hot body with cold cloths and chips of ice, whispering words from a hymn. Returning to work the following morning, Ella is greeted by shouts from Charlie's terrorizing the hospital as the feverish baby is being dismissed and sent home. Charlie, having only a handful of coins with him and the doctor suspicious of Charlie, feeling his hand tattoo an indication of a felon. Feeling the baby could have rheumatic fever and recalling the pain of the death of her own infant several years prior, Ella risks her job by leaving work, unauthorized, and follows Charlie back to his tent/wagon home at the circus, bringing her bag of herbs, roots, and medicines to treat baby Holland. Charlie also breaking the rules by bringing a "rube" (outsider) into the privacy of his circus life.

Scarred from her pregnancy by a stranger, the birthing of her son at the age of barely 15 years, the baby's  death after living only a couple of hours, and being branded a harlot by her community - Ella had fled her home and arrived in Roanoke several years prior, in search of a better life. Charlie has hidden secrets also, enduring untold pain to free an orphaned infant from a permanent life in the circus.

Joanne Bischof has written a mesmerizing and unforgettable story of life in a circus and a tender, touching romance between a woman who has turned her back on her faith and a courageous, gentle, man who embraces his faith in his determination to protect those he loves. The depth of the characters and their emotions and struggles, the realism of life in a circus - it's animals and performers, Charlie's love and brotherly care for his three lions - Han, Kristov, and Axel, kept me engrossed in a story that warmed my heart, elicited tears, and inspired me with it's elements of hope, forgiveness, and redemption. It's a 5+ star novel and re-telling of Beauty and the Beast - whose characters remain with me, it's depth of beauty truly adequately indescribable!

*I was provided a PDF of 'The Lady and the Lionheart' by it's author for my honest opinion - which I have given. 

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You may purchase this book from these and other places: AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE

GIVEAWAY: 1 e-book of 'The Lady and the Lionheart'! Please leave a comment and your email address to enter, using (at) and (dot) to protect from spammers. 

Bonnie Roof Reviews To Get To You by Joanne Bischof.

To Get To You by Joanne Bischof

Published by Mason Jar Books

Reviewed by Bonnie Roof

5 Stars*****

"There are some things you can't go back from. You just lay the broken pieces down and then there's grace and it's glue, and in a strange way, you're more whole than before, because this time ...  This time it's not by your own doing". ('To Get to You')

'To Get to You' is a story of love on 3 different levels: a teen boy's first love, a parent's love for his child, God's love and grace for mankind. A tender story told from the point of view of a troubled 18-year-old boy, a product of a broken home, who has shut the world out and pain in.

It's Christmas eve - Riley Kane is closing shop at Harmony Farms feed store and Christmas tree lot, in the small mountain town of Idyllwild, southern California. A teenage girl appears, pulling a sled - attempts to load a large left-over Christmas tree Riley has discarded alongside the highway, her feet slipping in the snowy slush from the weight of the tree. Feeling compelled to help, yet his jeep in the shop for radiator repair and the girl on foot - Riley walks 2 miles to her Airstream trailer home, pulling the sled. Along the way, he realizes her to be a church friend, from childhood - Rebecca "Becca" Fletcher.

When Becca's father, a semi-truck driver, is seriously injured driving off the road to avoid hitting a children-filled van, the driver having swerved to avoid a deer - his family drives to a hospital in New Mexico to be with him, taking the trailer with them. Riley is shocked to find an empty lot when he arrives at Becca's - his name written on a grocery bag hanging from a branch of the discarded Christmas tree, a note inside explaining the family's plight. His phone not charged - Becca had tried, unsuccessfully, to call him.

Riley is determined to get to Becca, to help the family by bringing their stored generator and water barrels. When his jeep transmission goes out, stranding him - his mother, who is out-of-town, insists Riley solicit his father's help. Jake Kane, a world-famous professional surfer - hasn't seen his son since Riley was in the 3rd grade, nor spoken to him since he was 11 years old. A man Riley hates, one he feels ruined his life.

What follows is a road trip in a rare '65 VW Samba van for Riley, Jake, and Jake's surfer buddy Saul Ramirez. A trip full of adventure, and emotion-filled discoveries about, and for, both father and son. So vivid are the descriptions and life-like the characters, I felt I was along for the ride, and privy to their thoughts. 'To Get to You' is filled with the emotion and beauty I've come to expect from Joanne's writing - a tender, heart-warming story that alternately made me smile and shed tears. My heart ached for Riley, sympathized with Becca, and loved her vulnerable, innocent heart.

An inspiring, sweet story of redemption, acceptance, hope, forgiveness, faith and love. Made even sweeter by the "Behind the Scenes" revelations at the end, 'To Get to You' is book 1 in the Wild Air series. Derived from a short story,'The Balsam Walk', in the '21 Days of Christmas' short story/devotional anthology. 

Both books are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million.

GIVEAWAY: OWG is grateful for Joanne's gracious provision of a paperback copy of 'To Get to You' - a giveaway to one blessed commenter! Please leave your email address using (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers. 

Diana's 2013 Favorites!

 Here's a list of my favorite 2013 books in no particular order! It was very difficult to choose as you authors totally outdid yourselves this year!

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Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz 

A beautifully written novel laden with secrecy, deceit, betrayal, and hidden passions. Laura Frantz is a master storyteller!

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Return To Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels

 This is a riveting, historical read you won't want to miss. Truly a memorable story of hope and obedience!

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Captured By Moonlight By Christine Lindsay

Christine Lindsay sweeps us away to the exotic, hauntingly beautiful land of India in this exciting story of romance, faith, and intrigue!  

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Forsaken Dreams By MaryLu Tyndall

A riveting novel that sweeps us away on a riveting, seafaring journey -- beginning in the ravaged, post civil war torn South to the lush beauty of Brazil!

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The Governess Of Highland Hall By Carrie Turansky

A wonderful Edwardian era novel set in England; replete with dashing lords and ladies, secrets, pain, and hidden passions! A must read!

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Heaven Is Not Far By Marian Baay

An emotive, soul-stirring short story of a love that transcends time, distance, and even the Civil War! Heartwarming debut!

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Love At Any Cost By Julie Lessman

A passion-filled, heartwarming journey to beautiful San Francisco...with its lush lawns of the very wealthy on Nob Hill to the poverty stricken streets of the Barbary Coast! One not to miss!

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Beyond The Valley By Rita Gerlach

A powerful, heartrending historical read, full of excitement and romance! You simply must put this one at the top of your TBR stack!

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Whispers Of A New Dawn By Murray Pura

A powerful story of love and healing on the turbulent road to the bombing of Pearl Harbor!

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My Hope Is Found By Joanne Bischof

A lovely, heartrending tale of sin's consequences, redemption, and unrequited love, that will keep you flipping those pages well into the night! I loved this entire series!

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Burning Sky By Lori Benton

A hauntingly beautiful, heartrending tale of a kidnapped white woman caught not only between two very different worlds, but also two handsome men from diverse cultures!





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            Unforeseeable and Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

Exciting, suspense-filled sequels to Inescapable---set in the quaint, homey Mennonite town of Kingdom!  

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The Captive Maiden By Melanie Dickerson

An enchanting, captivating story of knights, castles, and romance; reminscent of the classic tale, Cinderella!

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The Painted Sky Volumes 1-8 by Murray Pura 

 An exciting story of adventure and romance on the sweltering, rugged plains of New Mexico! Will be released as a paperback soon and you may recognize some of the characters from OWG!

 

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A Highlander For Christmas by Jamie Carie

 

I loved this breathtaking Christmas novella set in the beautiful Scottish highlands...of castles set against the backdrop of misty, verdant hills---of kilts and colorful tartans, and the seemingly ill-fated romance between a brave clan chieftain and an English lady!



**Thank you to all of the wonderful Christian authors who provided me and so many others with hours of reading pleasure in 2013! See you next year!**

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Click on to book title to purchase any of these great novels!

 

Name a couple of your favorite books from 2013! Have you read any of the books on my list?

Diana Flowers' Spring/Summer Recommended Reads!

Here are some of my favorite, highly recommended spring/summer picks in no particular order:

Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels, Mar. 2013

This is a riveting, historical read you won't want to miss. Truly a memorable story!




Captured by Moonlight by Christine Lindsay, May 2013

If you enjoy exotic, romantic settings with lots of excitement this one is for you!




Whispers of a New Dawn by Murray Pura, April 2013

A powerful story of love and healing on the turbulent road to the bombing of Pearl Harbor!




Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall, Mar. 2013

A highly compelling novel of romance and adventure! A must read!




Beyond the Valley by Rita Gerlach, Feb. 2013

A powerful, heartrending historical read full of excitement and romance!




Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof, Oct. 2012

A wonderful story of healing and redemption set in the Appalachians!




Though My Heart Is Torn by Joanne Bischof, Apr. 2013

The heartrending sequel to Be Still My Soul. An absolute must read!




Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman, Apr. 2013

A compelling and heartwarming new series by Julie! I loved it and you will, too!




Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl, Feb. 2013

An intriguing blend of suspense and Mennonite small town charm!




The Painted Sky by Murray Pura, Mar. 2013

An exciting story of adventure and romance on the rugged plains of New Mexico!




The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson, Jan. 2013

An enchanting, whimsical tale set during medieval times!




The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen. Jan. 2013

A spellbinding story of romance and mystery you won't want to miss!





Catherine's Pursuit by Lena Nelson Dooley, Feb. 2013

I haven't had a chance to read this one yet b/c I just recently got it, but I know it's going to be as awesome as the first two books in this series, Maggie's Journey and Mary's Blessing--must reads!

Happy Summer Reading!


**Be sure to click on to each book title to order any of these fascinating books!**



Diana Flowers Reviews Though My Heart Is Torn by Joanne Bischof

Though My Heart Is Torn

Though My Heart Is Torn by Joanne Bischof

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.

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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? 

Diana Flowers Reviews Be Still My Soul By Joanne Bischof

Be Still My Soul

Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof

Multnomah Publishing, 2012

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars*****

Fabulous Debut Novel!

In her debut novel, Be Still My Soul, author Joanne Bischof, takes us on a compelling, emotionally stirring journey amongst the creeks and hollows of the Appalachian Mountains -- a vividly beautiful land yielding a wealth of resources, but surrounded by poverty and simplistic living.

Lonnie Sawyer is a shy, innocent young woman, who after being physically abused by her father for years, is yearning for the day she turns eighteen and can move in with her loving Aunt Sarah. It is through Aunt Sarah that she learns of God and the beautiful scriptures that bring comfort to her lonely life. After a night of friends and family singing and playing instruments in the woods, Lonnie finds herself pressured into being escorted home in the moonlight by handsome ladies' man, Gideon O'Riley. It is a decision and a night that changes her destiny forever, and one that Lonnie lives to regret many times over.

Gideon finds himself forced into a marriage he doesn't want and feels frustrated by the sudden responsibilities thrust upon him. Yearning for a fresh start, he forces Lonnie on a long and arduous journey away from her home and everything that she is familiar with. Lonnie is almost destroyed by Gideon's callousness, but is determined to hold onto her faith through it all. But when Gideon commits an unthinkable act, will her unwavering faith be enough to forgive him? Can a couple with naught but the clothes on their backs survive in the unforgiving Appalachian hills?

I am quite taken aback by Joanne Bischof's first novel! There is definitely nothing amateurish about it! It is amazingly well written and I finished it rather quickly because I simply could not put it down. The characters were well developed and realistic, and I love the way Gideon evolves throughout the book. I simply thought him intolerable at first, but had to realize that alot of young men forced into the same situation would have reacted the same way. With a truly moving, spiritual thread throughout and a strong, heartrending plot, this one will have you literally burning the midnight oil! Very nicely done, Joanne Bischof!

I received an ARC of this novel by Mulnomah Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book may be purchase through Amazon, CBD, and your local bookstores.

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GIVEAWAY: Your choice of one of Joanne's books! Answer the question and leave your email address to be entered in the contest.

QUESTION: Lonnie was forced to suffer serious repercussions because of an act she wasn't even guilty of committing. Has this ever happened to you?





Joanne Bischof Interview by Carrie Pagels

Joanne Bischof

Joanne Bischof is the author of Be Still My Soul, the first book in the Cadence of Grace Series.

Joanne Bischof, welcome to Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
I have been on the road that is the process of learning to trust in God’s plan even when a path He calls us to, seems impossible. Positively impossible. During one such season in my life, I cried out to God countless times. Cried out that He asked too much of me. It wasn’t until I surrendered my will—and what all my hopes and dreams for the future had been—that I was finally able to see that though I never would have chosen to walk where He had placed me, walk I must, and I would not be alone. I think many of us have experienced at one time or another, the moment of being uprooted from all that we knew as normal and placed at the edge of a heartbreaking newness that overwhelms in such a way that it is only by clinging to the garments of the Lord, hanging on His words, and trusting that if we walk by faith, He will see us through the fire. It’s an ongoing journey, but as His promises unfold, the bitter lessens, and the sweet grows.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

One of my favorite verses is Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

This verse brings such comfort. It reminds me of the truth that God never leaves our side. He is always with us. There is no need to be afraid, even in times of doubt and trouble, His promises always ring true.

Though My Heart Is Torn

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?  

At this moment, I don’t have any books in audio format, but the large print version of Be Still My Soul is in the works.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

The most important thing I hope readers get from my books is a picture of the many facets of love. This picture is at times sweet, at times rough. At times it is bold and at times it is quiet. But the truth is that love is redemptive—as in the life of Gideon. Love is also a comfort—as with Lonnie who clung to the promise that His eye is on the sparrow.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

One thing that comes to mind is while researching for this story, I learned about the midwife who worked in the region, during the time Be Still My Soul is set. The midwife’s name was Orelean Puckett, also known as “Aunt Orlean,” and though she delivered babies in the hollows of the Blue Ridge Mountains, she gave birth to, and buried, 24 of her own children. My heart broke for her loss and heartache and I was left amazed by her strength and willingness to be a servant to bring the little lives into the world that she did for the women in the Rocky Knob region. It is a beautiful and gracious act and I can only imagine what kind of woman she was.

Be Still My Soul

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

What comes to mind, is the heroine of Be Still My Soul, Lonnie, grew up in an abusive home. Through a shotgun wedding to the hero, Gideon, she trades one bad situation for another as he is an alcoholic. Lonnie truly finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place; her past has been filled with sorrow, yet her future of being married to a man who doesn’t love her, seems no brighter.

She clings to her faith during this time, and the promise that the Lord’s eye is on the sparrow. At times, though, she feels small, unimportant, and alone. But she is never alone and God holds her in the palm of His hand. Through His mighty work and Lonnie listening to the Lord’s calling to love Gideon even though it’s hard, Gideon begins to understand this God she loves. He begins to cherish the woman who is by his side, realizing that he is far from deserving her, but filled with the desire to spend the rest of his days striving to be a man worthy of her.

Thank you Joanne for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Thank you so much for having me, ladies!

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GIVEAWAY: Joanne is offering a book for giveaway! We will also be offering a second giveaway this week from OWG of choice of either of Joanne's books, choice of format.

QUESTION: Do you have an unspoken request that you'd like us to pray for?