Be Still My Soul - (Cadence of Grace) by Joanne Bischof (Paperback)

About the Book

Pretty Lonnie Sawyer is used to fading into the background among the Appalachian hills. Though her family is poor and her father abusive, she clings to a quiet faith. But when a handsome ladies' man and bluegrass musician steals a kiss, that one action seals her fate.

Book Synopsis

Night's chill tickled her skin. Lonnie pressed her hands together and glanced up. He was even more handsome up close. Having grown up the shy, awkward daughter of Joel Sawyer, she'd hardly spoken to any boy, let alone the one who had mothers whispering warnings in their daughter's ears and fathers loading shotguns.

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?

Gideon only ever cared about himself. Now that Lonnie is his wife, will he ever be worthy of her heart?

Review Quotes

"The rugged charm of Appalachia is the perfect backdrop to mirror the hardship and beauty of Joanne Bischof's tender, heart-tugging debut. The author's lyrical voice drew me in; the rich detail and authentic emotion kept me turning the pages. Lovers of historical fiction and topsy-turvy romance will find much to rejoice about in this lovely story. Be Still My Soul is a delight from start to finish!"
--Carla Stewart award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and Stardust

"Be Still My Soul is a rare gem: a powerful and compelling story for every woman who's known love's real ups and downs. Author Joanne Bischof draws a poignant picture of a forced marriage and its challenges and heartache, followed by the healing and joy of transformative love. A refreshingly honest new voice makes a memorable debut!"
--Rosslyn Elliott award-winning author of Fairer than Morning and Sweeter than Birdsong

"Be Still My Soul is a wonderful debut from newcomer Joanne Bischof. If you grew up loving Janette Oke, you'll want to read this tender tale of grace, forgiveness, and redemption."
--Susan Meissner author of A Sound Among the Trees

"Beautifully set in the Appalachian Mountains, Joanne Bischof's debut novel is one of those rare finds that will keep you up burning the midnight oil. I literally couldn't put it down! Her characters are engaging from the moment they walk onto the the stage of your heart and so real you'll remember them long after you turn the last page. As an author of two historical novels set in the Appalachian Mountains, I was enchanted by the setting and Joanne's deft descriptions. I can't wait to read book two of the series."
--Diane Noble Bestselling Author

"Be Still My Soul gives readers a refreshing dip into ninteenth-century American Appalachian life, with a story that bubbles into the heart like a clear mountain spring. Ms. Bischof's uplifting tale hits the palate as sweetly as the pancakes and honey her characters enjoy for breakfast. You'll leave the book feeling you've made new friends, whom you won't want to forget."
--Linore Rose Burkard author of Before the Season Ends and The Country House Courtship

"A moving debut! More than just a love story, Be Still My Soul takes compelling characters on a journey of redemption in the dangerous beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Joanne Bischof's masterful and compassionate insight into human nature won me over. I can't wait for the second book in the Cadence of Grace series!"
--Sarah Sundin award-winning author of the Wings of Glory series

"Joanne Bischof offers a heart rendering tale set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where two young souls must put away their past and accept life together as man and wife. While sometimes gut-wrenching, the young couple must endure difficult trials that lead them to seek and find answers in the everlasting arms of Jesus. Be Still My Soul, will stir your soul and will leave you thinking about the characters long after you've turned the last page."
--Deborah Vogts author of Snow Melts in Spring and Seeds of Summer

About the Author

Joanne Bischof lives in the mountains of Southern California where she keeps busy making messes with her 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. Be Still My Soul is her first novel.