Gideon only ever cared about himself. Now that Lonnie is his wife, will he ever be worthy of her heart?
This was such a beautiful book.
The story intrigued me from the beginning because it was unique yet held lilting reminders of a style like Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly series and Catherine Marshall’s Christy.
And there’s nothing quite like a novel set in the Appalachian mountains at the turn of the century, either.
Lonnie I loved immediately. Gid I thought a jerk from the beginning. I did have a little sympathy for him, mostly because I knew he had to learn a lot by the end of the book and I pitied him the journey. There was really only rough spot where I rolled my eyes at his immaturity. Don’t worry. He got over it. Eventually. It’s proof of the author’s talent that someone so thoroughly disliked could truly become a great hero by the end.
Seriously, I loved how this book made me smile and laugh and cry at the most unexpected moments.
Without giving too much away, I’ll rave and say this book is a wonderfully woven story of trust shattered and rewon, of love that gently, gently grows.
Like I said, Gideon can try one’s nerves. But, seriously, if the only thing one doesn’t like about a book is that the hero goes through a growing process, that’s an annoyance well served.
The great faith that Lonnie clings to and Gideon (eventually!) learns is an inspiration. If you don’t believe me, listen to the song below that helped inspire it. The beauty of the lyrics and melody capture the essence of Be Still My Soul very well (and for visual people, take another glance at that cover which encapsulates the loveliness of the story within).
About the Author
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I love the cover! It seems very peaceful :) This book sounds really good and I would love you enter this giveaway!!
Ria, I love hearing what you thought about it, and how it felt peaceful! Thanks so much for stopping by and entering!
I love the cover! And I'd love to win the book… it sounds really good! :)
Thanks so much, Lindsay! I'm glad the book sounds good to you :) So glad you're entered!
I became a follower of this site.
Thanks, Sylvia! Make sure to fill out the Rafflecopter, too, okay? :)
I've had my eye on this book for awhile. After reading the sample chapters online I am very intrigued. I've seen the cover for the second book and it looks very nice too. Series books are some of my favorites and we don't see nearly enough of them. Is your book <i>Cry of My Heart</i> still available? Is it fiction or non-fiction? Amazon has it listed, but doesn't have information
Sylvia, this is a really good question. Cry of My Heart was printed a few years ago and is essentially, the same story as Be Still My Soul. Very, very few copies of it sold. I was having a difficult time with the publishing house it was with, got my rights back, found an agent and she sold it to WaterBrook Multnomah which is a division of Random House. RH has been known for re-plublishing books
I love the cover!!! It's so beautiful! makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com
Thanks so much Megan!!
Thanks for the review, I've been intrigued by this book and the reference to Love Comes Softly and Christy definitely adds to it!<br /><br />bloomingwithbooks [at] gmail [dot]com
Meagan, I'm so glad to hear it! I've been amazed by the references to Love Comes Softly and Christy. It's such an honor to be even thought of in the same category as those books. Thanks for joining in the giveaway!
The I noticed more the light around Lonnie than the sunset itself, so I must like the way it lights her up more than anything :)<br /><br />Thank you for the chance to win!<br /><br />Beth<br />bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com
Hi Beth! I love reading all these thoughts on the cover and what you saw yourself. So nice to see you here on Rachelle's blog. I hope you're having a great night!
I have to say that that is a great cover. The model that they used here is really something out of the ordinary, (to my eye,) not the usual 'run of the mill' so to speak. I like how she looks like areal person, with a real personality and a real story. Not some fake one, which is so often what comes first to mind when I look at some of these covers nowadays! <br /> (Sorry if that made
Elizabeth, it's so great to meet you. I enjoyed your insights on the model for Lonnie. I remember as my publisher was putting together the photo shoot, they requested a girl who was "naturally pretty" which is just how Lonnie is and when I saw this cover, I was amazed beyond words at they essence of the story they had captured. And to see Gideon walking away like that, but with hope
I love the cover :) Although I must say I noticed the girl more than the sunset… haha. Any young female with brown curls catches my eye lately, since that's what the main character in my current story looks like.<br /><br />newyorksnowflake @ gmail.com
Emily, I love your comment :) And so excited to meet another writer! Praying a special blessing on your story and that it will someday reach and touch the hearts of readers.
WooHoo I am the 200th follower<br />Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House<br /><br />Giveaway Coming Soon!<br />When Inspiring Daring reaches 200 followers, I'll host a most spectacular giveaway, so be daring! =)
Hi Kathleen! I always love seeing you out and about. You are such a blessing. I am so glad you like that song! It's one of my favorites :) Have a great night!
I became a friend on GFC. Kathleen<br />lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
"Come Weary Saints" ~*~ thank you for sharing this with us! Beautiful gift~ Kathleen<br />lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net This book is superb!!!!!!!
Oh, I've had my eye on this book for a long time! It's gotten so many glowing reviews on the blogs I follow, she's obviously an author to watch. It sounds *exactly* like my kind of story. I've been intrigued by the culture and history of the Appalachian people ever since I read Christy as a teenager. And the sunset picture is stunning of course! Love,love the purple glow over the
Thank you, Lisa! That is always such a joy to hear. I have been blown away by the reviews that have come in for Be Still My Soul. To read what people are saying and what the book meant to them has been a blessing and humbling all at the same time. I am so grateful that God has given me this time to write for Him. It's always fun to meet someone who has an interest in the Appalachians! It'
I am very intrigued by this story, and I would enjoy exploring it. The cover is beautiful, and really pulls you in even more to the story behind it. I would love to read this book!<br /><br />amccalli(at)gmail(dot)(com)
Thank you so much for your sweet comment and for entering the giveaway! It's really encouraging. Best wishes!
Rachelle, I loved the interview, and Joanne I have tried several times to win your book. Maybe soon I will get lucky!<br /> Maxie ( [email protected] )
Maxie,<br /><br />I'm honored that you've been trying to win Be Still My Soul, hoping that there is a book out there that will have your name on it ;)
I didn't even realize there was a sunset at first!! Probably because of the purple. But I love it all the same! :)<br /><br />marissamehresman(at)aol(do)com
Hi Marissa! It is kind of hidden, isn't it :) I remember my agents words when she first saw it. She said how it felt like something was coming, like hope was on the horizon. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Thank you for this giveaway….I would love to win and read this book, sounds wonderful!!<br />Blessings…Joy<br />ibjoy1953 at yahoo dot come
Thank you!! I love your blog name. Books really are a blessing :) SO nice to meet you!
Thank you for the giveaway!! I am interested in reading this book!!
Lisa, you and me both! There is something so glorious about a sunset. Sometimes I step out after dinner just to watch it go down after the trees. My favorite part is when my kids join me :)
Beautiful cover!! I enjoy sunsets!! I love living in the mountains!!
I blogged about the giveaway here: http://jessica-literarypursuits.blogspot.com/2012/11/be-still-my-soul-book-giveaway.html
Thank you so much, Jessica. You are so thoughtful. I just popped over to your blog and love it!
Truly, the cover was the first thing I noticed and what made me want to learn more about the synopsis and writer. I saw this book for the first time in the "giveaway" section on goodreads. I didn't win, but I was interested to the point where I've kept an eye out for more giveaway's that include this book. It just looks so excellent and I've seen some great reviews about
Jessica,<br /><br />It's so neat to hear that the cover caught your attention and that you've read some good reviews. Thanks for entering the goodreads giveaway…the odds are tough over there so I'm so glad that you've found another giveaway here on Rachelle's blog. And thank you for your sweet words. God bless!
I love it! The pinks/purples go well together and the lush greenery…beautiful! I am so looking forward to reading Be Still My Soul.<br /><br />Blessings!<br />Judy<br />sweetpea.judy(at)yahoo(dot)com<br /><br />
Thank you, Judy! They art designer did such an amazing job. I can't wait to get to share what he's done for the second book! I'm so glad that you are looking forward to reading Be Still My Soul. Thank you!
I really enjoyed the review. I think this book sounds like one I would enjoy. Joanne, I wish you all the best with your writing career.<br />may_dayzeeATyahooDOTcom
Kay, Rachelle did such a great job on her review. It was so heartfelt. Thank you so much for your warm wishes. They are felt and are a blessing!
Beautiful inspiring sunset! I've been hearing great things about Be Still My Soul and would love to be entered in the drawing. Thanks.<br />worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Merry, it's such a joy to hear that you've heard good things about Be Still My Soul. Thank you much for taking the time to enter the giveaway. All the best!!
This sounds very intriguing and a story that I would love to weave. I love Janette Oke's books and this sounds just as good.<br /><br />deamundy(at)gmail(dot)com
Deanna, Thank you! I'm so glad that the story sounds intriguing and if you get the chance to read it, I very much hope you enjoy it! God bless!
I like the cover, the story looks interesting and I would Love to get it. :)
Thank you so much, Lidia! I'm so glad! :)
I've read many, many good reviews about Joanne's debut novel. I'm hoping to read it during my blogging break in December.<br />beth (at) bethvogt (dot) com
Thank you so much, Beth. I hope you enjoy that blogging break and get lots of R & R. That's an honor coming from you. I completely loved "Wish You Were Here." An important story that really shed light on so many things.
The cover is great! Looks like some of the landscapes that can be seen not to far from my home=)<br /><br />Patty<br />pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Patty! I would love, love, love to see the view from your front porch! I bet you have some stories to tell, too :D Thanks for being here for the giveaway!
Not entering, but I thought I'd say hi. ;) So fun that you get to give this book away by Miss Joann! :D Ooh, LOVE Sovereign Grace and LOVE that song!!! So fun to see the inspiration for this book coming from things that inspire me too! :) Have fun with your giveaway!<br /><br />And I see you've restyled your blog header – totally in love with it! :D *high five*<br /><br />Love you Shell
Rachel, It is so fun to meet another Sovereign Grace fan!!! Isn't this the best song!? It is one of my absolute favorites. They're music is so blessed and pure. They are doing a wonderful work for the Lord :) Isn't Rachelle just the sweetest? I have been so blessed by meeting her and getting to know her and I know that wonderful things are in store for a writing. Sounds like you are a
Thanks so much, Rachel! *high fives back* Love you! Hugs!<br /><br />Joanne, adore that you are talking about me as if I'm not here on. my. own. blog. *giggles*
Let's see if I can do this without messing up this time ;) Rachelle, YOU are a blessing and I have valued your friendship and am amazed by the young woman you are, a young woman after God's heart. It's so neat to see these sweet ladies comment about the cover. I remember when I first saw it, I was so excited that I showed my critique partners and in true-mature fashion, the comments
I just have to add that Rachel is so right. Your new blog header is stunning! I love the photo collage.
Joanne, your comment makes me teary. :) I've said this before, but you're exactly the author I want to be when I grow up: accessible and open. I treasure the things we've talked about. You've been such an encouragement and inspiration to me and I'm grateful for you. Thanks for the privilege of hosting this giveaway (and of course, for the lovely book you wrote). <br /><br />
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The cover is beautiful! I'm intrigued, and would love to read this book. I know this sounds selfish but, I hope I win! ;) <br /><br />[email protected]
Thank you, Kristen! If you get the chance to read Be Still My Soul, I very much hope you enjoy it! Thanks so much for stopping in for the giveaway. I am so thankful to Rachelle for her heartfelt review!
That sunset cover is amazing! I love the purple hues. :-) <br /><br />Thank you so much for the giveaway!<br /><br />-Rosie<br />spyg93(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Rosie! Thank YOU so much for entering! I'm so glad you like the purple :) The designer put so much thought and care into it and its humbling to see how he translated the story into the beautiful image.
Beautiful review :) I love it when you do these!<br /><br />I love the sunset cover! The colors are amazing…and it adds to the front cover a lot!<br />
I agree, Zoe. Rachelle does such a beautiful job! I'm glad you love the cover! The art department at WaterBrook Multnomah blows me away. They knew just how to reflect Lonnie and Gideon's story :) It's so nice to meet you!