"Be Still My Soul" by Joanne Biscof, book review, Cadence of Grace series, book 1.
Lonnie is shy and just tries to stay out of sight and out-of-the-way. That is the surest way to avoid harsh words or blows from her father. Her mother tries to protect her, but is rather ineffective. Only her aunt provides the love, nurturing and Biblical training that Lonnie desires.
The novel is set in the Appalachian hills and shows the poverty and hard lives endured by the people who call this beautiful country home. While attending a local gathering, Lonnie is forced to sing for the group, against her wishes, then is escorted home by the handsome Gideon. When he steals a good night kiss, Lonnie's father takes advantage of the situation and forces the two to marry.
The story continues as Lonnie and Gideon try to make the best of a bad situation. Both have wounds from their fathers and do not know how to truly love and trust. While attempting to make it on their own, the young couple finds their way to the home of Jedediah and Elsie who show them the true love of God and model a loving marriage.
But can Lonnie and Gideon accept such kindness and learn to become a family? Matters are complicated by a coming baby and poor decisions that Gideon made on the road.
This novel is easy to read and has great character development. Their emotions seem so real and I was quickly drawn into the story. While this is the 1st in the series, I hope that the next book is released soon, so I can see how the story ends.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Waterbrook Press. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lonnie is shy and just tries to stay out of sight and out-of-the-way. That is the surest way to avoid harsh words or blows from her father. Her mother tries to protect her, but is rather ineffective. Only her aunt provides the love, nurturing and Biblical training that Lonnie desires.
The novel is set in the Appalachian hills and shows the poverty and hard lives endured by the people who call this beautiful country home. While attending a local gathering, Lonnie is forced to sing for the group, against her wishes, then is escorted home by the handsome Gideon. When he steals a good night kiss, Lonnie's father takes advantage of the situation and forces the two to marry.
The story continues as Lonnie and Gideon try to make the best of a bad situation. Both have wounds from their fathers and do not know how to truly love and trust. While attempting to make it on their own, the young couple finds their way to the home of Jedediah and Elsie who show them the true love of God and model a loving marriage.
But can Lonnie and Gideon accept such kindness and learn to become a family? Matters are complicated by a coming baby and poor decisions that Gideon made on the road.
This novel is easy to read and has great character development. Their emotions seem so real and I was quickly drawn into the story. While this is the 1st in the series, I hope that the next book is released soon, so I can see how the story ends.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Waterbrook Press. All opinions expressed are my own.
I could not put this one down and read it in one day! Be Still My Soul is the story of Lonnie and Gideon and their marriage, which was forced upon the. Gideon treats Lonnie terribly, until a generous and older couple takes them in. This was a very good story about trust and second chances. Highly recommended!
Joanne Bischof wrote a fascinating story about people of the Blue Ridge mountains, with historical accuracy and in depth characters.
Lonnie Sawyer and Gideon O'Riley are the main characters, although each person in this book is well-thought out, and integral to the entirety of the plot.
Gideon was a self-centered young man, who cared little about anything but his music and his desires. Lonnie was a shy Appalachian teen, who lived in poverty, with her mother, siblings, and abusive father.
This book was hard to put down, and I enjoyed it from start to finish. It's a clean, Christian historical fiction book, with a lot to offer the reader.
Lonnie Sawyer and Gideon O'Riley are the main characters, although each person in this book is well-thought out, and integral to the entirety of the plot.
Gideon was a self-centered young man, who cared little about anything but his music and his desires. Lonnie was a shy Appalachian teen, who lived in poverty, with her mother, siblings, and abusive father.
This book was hard to put down, and I enjoyed it from start to finish. It's a clean, Christian historical fiction book, with a lot to offer the reader.
Its a mountain romance with a very interesting twistbecause technically the reader isnt inclined to like the hero.
How do you enjoy reading a romance where the hero is completely unlikeable? Surprisingly enough, that is exactly what I did: greatly enjoyed this novel. Its an unconventional romance, but one the reader is aware of when they start the book. Honesty with the reader is so key in a novel where the norm is far from the expected and it kept me from becoming overly frustrated with this young man.
The plot is one reason I loved the novel so much. The unexpected takes an ordinary setting, a tried and true plot and crafts it captivating.
Be Still My Soul is a quick read, but a fulfilling one. The Blue Ridge Mountains make for a great backdrop for our characters struggles, contributing to their hardship, but also how they handle them. And I loved these characters. I know, I know a hero you cant like, you ask? Read the book, I promise youll find something in Gideon to love, I know I did. By the end of the last page, I held every confidence in this young couple. That to me, is writing at some of its finest. Take a character you cant love and believably change them before the end of the novel? Youll have to read the book to see for yourself. I dont think youll be disappointed.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my advance copy to review.
How do you enjoy reading a romance where the hero is completely unlikeable? Surprisingly enough, that is exactly what I did: greatly enjoyed this novel. Its an unconventional romance, but one the reader is aware of when they start the book. Honesty with the reader is so key in a novel where the norm is far from the expected and it kept me from becoming overly frustrated with this young man.
The plot is one reason I loved the novel so much. The unexpected takes an ordinary setting, a tried and true plot and crafts it captivating.
Be Still My Soul is a quick read, but a fulfilling one. The Blue Ridge Mountains make for a great backdrop for our characters struggles, contributing to their hardship, but also how they handle them. And I loved these characters. I know, I know a hero you cant like, you ask? Read the book, I promise youll find something in Gideon to love, I know I did. By the end of the last page, I held every confidence in this young couple. That to me, is writing at some of its finest. Take a character you cant love and believably change them before the end of the novel? Youll have to read the book to see for yourself. I dont think youll be disappointed.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my advance copy to review.
