Be Still My Soul

I recently received an advance copy of Joanne Bischof’s debut novel – Be Still My Soul. Not available officially till October 2, 2012 this book is set in the Appalachian Mountains, as we follow alongside Lonnie Sawyer, a pretty, young girl whose life is forever changed by one moment in time.  Lonnie tale is one of  strength, survival, trust, friendship and love. Raised by a alcoholic father with anger and an abusive history, Lonnie longs to leave her home and learn the soap making business with her Aunt Sara. Sara is Lonnie's strong hold in times of danger, emotional turmoil and when guidance and prayers are needed most. She teaches Lonnie to lean on God and find her answers in the Word and not based on her feelings.

Just as Lonnie sees her 17th birthday approaching and she can grasp her freedom she meets Gideon O’Reilly. A boy who has a reputation with the ladies. Gideon walks Lonnie home and before she knows it her life is change forever. Forced to marry Gideon because her father believes shes impure Lonnie is thrown into a loveless marriage with a man who does not want to be tied down to one woman and has yet to learn to find himself or control his own emotions. Driven by resentment over his present and future dreams being crushed, Gideon soon turns violent and selfish. Saved by a farmer and his wife -O’ReillyLonnie and Gideon soon both learn what a marriage takes to survive, and how quickly it can fall apart.

I loved this Christian Historical Fiction book. It was eloquently written and the story just poured out so smoothly. This is a beautiful tale of following Gods will for your life and letting Him lead you daily. The whole way through this book I found myself rooting for this couple. For their strength, grace and encouragement for each other. Once you pick it up, you wont want to put it down!  Be Still My Soul is the first book in The Cadence of Grace series,  Book 2, Though My Heart is Torn, is slated for publication in April 2013 and I for one cannot wait to get my hands on it.

You can connect with Joanne at her website here or her Facebook author page.

Need more details? Here’s the “official” back cover copy for Be Still My Soul, the first story in Joanne’s Cadence of Grace Series:

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?

***I have received this copy for my honest opinion from WaterBrook Multonomah  Follow this link to pre-order a copy for yourself. *****