Lonnie only wanted her husband’s love. Now that he belongs to another, can she surrender Gideon to a God with a bigger plan?
I said it about Joanne’s first book (in which we first meet Lonnie and Gideon) and I’ll say it about this one, too: This was such a beautiful book.
The best part was receiving it in the mail and diving right into the first page. Right from the start, you can tell something big is about to go down. Something’s going to happen that is going to shatter the shaky peace achieved at the end of book one (no spoilers for those of you who haven’t yet read Be Still My Soul!).
And does it ever! It was partly my fault for not flipping the book over and reading the back cover, but I had no idea what was going to happen… and then it did and wow, just wow. Hope that wasn’t too confusing. Just know it’s an excellent, intriguing, good grief, how is this going to work out? beginning.
Then it continues. Hearts are broken, lives are changed, separation ensues, hurtful words are spoken…it’s a heartrending journey that is riveting in its intensity.
The ending. Meaning: it ended. I milked the ending of this book. I can’t remember ever having done that before, but I clung to the excuse of school tugging at my hours and made the last three pages last two days.
My Hope is Found can’t come fast enough for me!
Though My Heart is Torn is lovely and lyrical. I think what I love best about Joanne’s writing is that she conveys so much with just a whisper of a movement or an echo of a heart’s thought. I realized halfway through this book that it is how she doesn’t overdo emotion that’s what makes you feel.
If you love historical fiction that offers a glimpse into a forgotten time when life was simpler and at the same time so moving, pick up the Cadence of Grace series.
About the Author
Married to her first sweetheart, Joanne Bischof lives in the mountains of Southern California where she keeps busy making messes with their home-schooled children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, writing, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life. Though My Heart is Torn is the second novel in her Cadence of Grace series.
Read my reviews of the other books in the series: Be Still My Soul // My Hope is Found
Disclosure: The author sent me this book to review. This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Wendy Newcomb says
Joanne, how do you come up with your ideas for the books you write?<br /><br />wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Joanne Bischof says
Wendy, <br /><br />They all sort of form differently and this one sort of surprised me as I suddenly got a glimpse of Lonnie's character and her heart–a young woman who longs to be loved, but married to a man who doesn't love her. I knew there was a story to be told there :) And ultimately, one that could have a triumphant ending.
Pam K. says
I don't have a question for Joanne but I'd love to win a copy of My Heart is Torn. I have the first book so would like to have this one to continue the story. Thanks for the chance to win.<br /><br />pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Joanne Bischof says
Pam, I'm so glad you entered. Hoping you can continue Lonnie and Gideon's story.
Library Lady says
My question is: how do you decide what time period you want your character to live in?<br />Thanks!<br />Janet E.<br />von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Joanne Bischof says
Hi, Janet. When the idea for Lonnie and Gideon's story came to me, I knew Gideon was going to be a bluegrass musician so the perfect fit for it was in Appalachia, just around the turn of the last century, 1901. Thanks for the question! So great to get to chat with you. :)
Anonymous says
I love the book cover and sounds like a story I would really enjoy! I would love to read this book. Please put my name in for a chance to win. Maxie Anderson mac262(at)me(dot)com
Joanne Bischof says
Maxie, thank you so much for stopping in and entering the giveaway. I'm so thankful to Rachelle for putting this on and it's been so special with all of you visiting!
Jan says
I read and reviewed the first book and loved it. I would love to read the rest of the story. <br />godblessamerica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com
Joanne Bischof says
Jan, I'm so glad that you loved the first book. Thanks so much for writing a review, too!
Anonymous says
Sounds like a great book! :) gonna get the first book to read though! <br />Lisa<br />[email protected]
Joanne Bischof says
Lisa–that is so wonderful. Thrilled for you to get to read Lonnie nad Gideon's story from the beginning. :) Thank you!
Jeannie Pederson says
Entered the giveaway! I'm a writer, too. ;)
Joanne Bischof says
Hi, Jeannie! Great meeting you!
Amy C says
Hi Joanne! Are there other books or series in the works set in the Appalachia?<br />amyc
Joanne Bischof says
Hi, Amy! There are other books :) There are three in this series all together, and then in the future, I've sent an idea for an all new Appalachian Romance series onto my publisher. I'm nervous (and excited) to see what they'll say. :)
Cindi A says
Do you have any questions you would like to ask Joanne?<br /><br />I would love to know where the inspiration comes from for the storylines of her books?<br /><br />cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Joanne Bischof says
Hi Cindi! The storyline from my books center around the promise that God is mighty, and He is mighty to save. :) I LOVE to right about redemption. I love to find a difficult situation and watch as the happy ending unfolds.
Brittany Britta says
Sorry, I typed that wrong<br /> bluegrassbirdie at gmail dot com
Brittany Britta says
I have read Be Still My Soul, and I would really like to finish up the series!<br />bluegrassbirdei at gmail dot com
Joanne Bischof says
Brittany, So thrilled to hear you read the first book and are looking forward to more! Just a few weeks away now! :)
spangldlady says
Would just love to win this one! New author for me. I'm always looking for new ones. Blessings! Darlene<br />spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com
Joanne Bischof says
Great meeting you! So glad you found the giveaway :) Blessings to you, too!
Johnette Ferguson says
Oh I would love to win this book! I have yet to read any of Joanne's books and would love to. PLease enter me. My email is sunydey26 (at) aol (dot) com
Joanne Bischof says
I'm so glad you are entered, Johnette. So great to get to meet you!
Beth-Anne says
I just got the first book and would love the second one!
Joanne Bischof says
HUGE thanks, Beth Anne!! I am so glad!
Andi Sanders says
Did you always want to be a writer?
Joanne Bischof says
Hi, Andi! Good question! I'd say that I did. It was always what I loved doing and what I wanted to do since I was little. But did I think I would ever end up published? It felt like such a wild dream. :) Feeling so very blessed.
Tima Murrell says
I read the first book and loved it. Now I'm impatiently waiting to read this one.
Joanne Bischof says
Thank you so much, Tima. You are a blessing!
Jenna C. says
Yay!! I LOVED Be Still My Soul….I actually don't really have a question…I just can't wait to read this book ;)
Joanne Bischof says
Jenna, yay! And you've got Lonnie's little homemade soap to go with ;) Hugs!
Michelle says
Hello! I don't have any questions really, the first book was my favorite book of last year. I can't wait to get this one!
Joanne Bischof says
Michelle–just grinning from ear to ear at that. Thank you! And I can't wait for you to get this one, either! :)
Sarah says
I haven't read any of your books but they sound really good! <br /><br />superstarsarah94(at)gmail(dot)com
Joanne Bischof says
I hope you get the chance to, Sarah and I so hope that they bless you! :)
Beth says
I have read Be Still My Soul yet, but entering this giveaway means I HAVE to track down a copy, right??? ;)<br /><br />My question is, is there another time or even setting in history that you would like to write about in the future?<br /><br />Thanks for the chance to win!<br /><br />Beth<br />bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com<br /><br />
Joanne Bischof says
Hi, Beth! We tried to work the books so they can stand on their own, for anyone who hasn't read the first. Though it is just a wee bit more fun knowing how Lonnie and Gideon met ;) Love your question! I have plans to write more books in historical Appalachia–a setting I absolutely adore. But if I were to step out and try something else, I have to confess I'd love to do a 1st person YA
Sarah Ladd says
I can't wait to read this book! It looks TERRIFIC!!
Joanne Bischof says
Thank you so much Sarah! I hope you enjoy it!! :)
Marsha says
I really enjoyed Be Still My Soul and can't wait to continue the story of Gideon and Lonnie!<br />[email protected]<br />
Joanne Bischof says
Marsha, that means so much to hear that you are eager for more of Lonnie and Gideon's story. I'm excited for you to get to read it! God bless!
Sarah says
I would love to win!!!<br />Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!!<br />Sarah Richmond<br />[email protected]<br />N.C.
Joanne Bischof says
Sarah, I'm so glad you are entered. God bless you, too!
Mrs. Pedersen says
I've never read any of this author's books! I'll have to give them a try soon. Thanks for sharing and the giveaway. :)
Joanne Bischof says
Mrs. Pedersen, if you get the chance, I hope you enjoy them! Thanks so much for entering the giveaway here. :)
Jennifer Rumberger says
I can't wait to read the second book in Joanne's series. Thank you for hosting a giveaway!
Joanne Bischof says
Jennifer, I am so glad! I can't wait for you to read it and thank you so much for being a part of this!
Marissa says
Hi Joanne! I read Be Still My Soul a while ago and loved it!! If you are able to tell us, what is the name of the third book and when is it coming out?
Joanne Bischof says
Marissa, Just thrilled that you loved Be Still My Soul!! Great question–the title for the third book has been made official: My Hope is Found. It comes out this October. Thanks for asking! :)
Rhonda's Doings says
love your books and need to read book 2!!!! thanks! [email protected]
Joanne Bischof says
Thank you, Rhonda! That is so exciting to hear. I hope you enjoy the next one! :)
Diana montgomery says
Would love to win. Thanks for the giveaway<br />[email protected]
Joanne Bischof says
Diana, so glad you've entered!!
Little Lady says
Hello! :) Found you through twitter and saw the giveaway! I've never read any of her book, but I saw them at the bookstore yesterday and was super excited!! Lovely blog!
Joanne Bischof says
Isn't it lovely!? I absolutely love her new design, here. So great to get to meet you here, too! Thanks for entering the giveaway :) Enjoyed your blog!