Okay, first of all, to anybody who watches today’s video intro, wow, kudos for putting up with my bedraggled appearance and the poor quality of the video. My camera has some issues, methinks.
Secondly, I can’t possibly recommend Joanne Bischof’s debut novel enough! I read Be Still My Soul in less than a day and then had a moment of panic when I realized I’d reached the end. Thankfully, I had her guest post today to look forward to.
And I absolutely love her post. It’s all about romance. You know, I think there are people who hear the word “romance” and instantly think of tawdry dime novels. But that’s such a faulty interpretation of what I think romance is supposed to look like. Which is why I love, love Joanne’s post today. Enjoy!
Romance.
It’s that moment, when he’s faced with a choice. The choice to climb off his pedestal and lift those he loves above himself. Learning. Growing. Sacrificing.
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.
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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?
Comments 42
Oh! I didn’t recognize the title, but as soon as I read the blurb I realized I’ve looked this book up and wanted to read it, but somehow it didn’t make it to my TBR pile. So so so glad you were on here today:) FYI – I’m a fellow homeschooler too about to start Day#2 for the year…may your year be blessed with many, many wonderful things and lots of patience:) Great to meet you, Joanne.
And Melissa, loved the video, bed head and all;)
Hope you had a great vacation and got lots of writing in. My word count is not so hot right now…but I did squeeze in some edits, that counts, right?
So fun to meet a fellow homeschooler in you, Susan! And thank you so much for your sweet encouragement! It’s so fun to be with my 3 little ones and life is always busy, busy 🙂 Praying the same blessing back to you and your family!
I’ve appreciated connecting with Joanne! You motivate me to vlog, Melissa.
~ Wendy
Delighted to have connected with you, Wendy! Melissa really is so inspiring with all her vlogs. 🙂
Lovely post, can’t top Joanne’s definition 🙂
Thank you so much, Sandra! It’s nice meeting you! It was one of those topics that I sat down to put my thinking cap on and suddenly all the words just made their way to the page. 🙂
I loved this book too! How she took a completely unlikeable hero and made him likeable was incredible. Not something I see very often.
What a beautiful post, I loved it!
Never wound have guessed on the pj’s Melissa. 😉
Aren’t the pj’s fun?!
Casey, I thoroughly enjoyed your insights about Be Still My Soul. To me you are one of those book experts with the countless number of books you read so your thoughts on this story are so encouraging! And I must confess that it was fun to write from Gideon’s character. He is such a troublemaker that it was quite an adventure being inside his head. 🙂
Oh well, thank you! I truly did enjoy the book, so to me I loved sharing my thoughts. 🙂
Can’t wait for Be Still My Soul to download on my Kindle!! Joanne, this was simply beautiful. I love your heart in these words.
Melissa, you always make me smile. 🙂
Yay, for the kindle! There’s just something about not having to wait for a book. That instant download thing is pretty amazing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Gabrielle! I could just talk romance all day. So glad that I get to write about it in my stories 🙂 As I know, you do too! Looking forward to hearing all about your upcoming trip to ACFW, for the first time, right?!
This makes me want to read your book all over again! Tagg, as if you could ever look anything but adorable!
Aw, thanks, Jessica!! You are such a sweet encourager. And yeah, she looks great. I love that she did a traveling vlog 🙂
Loved your book, Joanne! My heart ached for Lonnie but I just loved the ending. Such a sweet romance and such an awesome setting too. 🙂
My definition of romance…well, you pretty much said it. I think it definitely comes from God. His love is the model.
And Mel, you are too cute! I’ve been wanting to vlog again but I’ve been going to the gym after work…and yeah, I wouldn’t want to scare away my readers and friends with my sweaty hair and shiny face. Hehe.
Thank you so much, Lindsay! My heart ached for Lonnie too. There were moments that it was difficult to sit back as things happened, but God is bigger than all of it and He had her in the palm of his hand.
Yes! God’s love really is the model. Romance is so beautiful. One of my favorite subjects 😉
I just received the book and looking forward to reading it. Beautiful post, Joanne.
Loree, I’m so glad! I hope you enjoy it and even more, that God might use a piece of it to bless you. Take care!
“This is the romance we yearn for. No other type will satisfy. No kiss is more pure or more blessed then the kiss that heals. The kiss that unites. The kiss that honors. This is romance at its purest.”
Beautiful. And, as you said in the beginning, so reflective of Christ’s love for us. Thank you for this captivating reflection! 🙂
Thank you Amanda! You are such an encouragement and a dear friend. I’m so excited for you to get your copy. Your support has been the hugest blessing! I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next on your writing journey.
Oh, I don’t think I could say it better.
I will def. put this book on my TBR list.
Thanks so much!
MTagg — your still cute! Love your honesty.
Alena, it’s so nice to meet you! I love Melissa’s honesty, too. 🙂 Fun and refreshing!
I’m honored that Be Still My Soul will be on your TBR list. I hope that you enjoy the book. I’m so thankful to Melissa for letting me visit today and talk romance. 🙂
Love the premise of this book! I am definitely adding it to my reading list.
Michelle, I’m so glad that the premise of the book resonated with you! That’s always one of my greatest hopes! Take care!
Melissa – fun post today. I’m very excited about this book (it’s on my bedside pile to read this month) because I get to MEET Joanne at her Book release party on October! We recently realized we live less than an hour a part and I’m going to go celebrate with her and her family. Yippee!
Blessings on you both today!
Becky
Becky, I am so glad that we found one another! You were a blessing from the start with your encouragement and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better as I read your blog and learn more of your triumphant story. I am so excited to see you at the launch party in October! My husband and I have been working on all the details…he is the cobbler man so there will be lots and lots 🙂 And hopefully, clear skies!
Melissa, I love that you’re in your jammies! I did a video for the CBD website and off camera, I’m wearing my hubbies elk pajama pants, lol.
I’m having so much reading all these comments! Delighted to see so many faces I know and thrilled to meet a few that I don’t. Big huge wave to all of you ladies! Thanks so much for letting me share my thoughts on what romance means to me. Isn’t it a fun topic! 😉 And I’m so blessed by you all who’ve read Be Still My Soul and have enjoyed it and am doubly touched by those who have it on your TBR. Thanks so much!
Joanne, thanks so much for being here today!! I just loved your post and LOVED your book, too. Funny note on the pajamas…I didn’t wear “real” clothes for about four days straight while I was at my parents’ house. They were out of town and I had the place to myself. It was…gloriously quiet and peaceful and perfect. I did so much reading and writing–and your book was definitely a highlight! (That, and the flock of wild turkeys that entertained me for a good 10 minutes by the cornfield across from the house…I’ve never seen that many wild turkeys in one place. And I have no idea why I thought they were so funny!)
Thanks again for being here today!!
Joanne, if Be Still My Soul is anything like your post, it is awesome. You write with such poetry. And I’m adding BSMS to my can’t-wait-to-read list.
Huge thank you, Pat! That is so sweet! I often look at my choppy sentences and think, “oh dear, I’m an English teacher’s nightmare.” 🙂 But that just seems to be the way the words come out. I’m so glad you’ve got Be Still My Soul marked as to read!
Joanne, I loved your post. My all time favorite romance is where Jesus sweetly called to me when I was so undeserving. My dilemma is whether to get Be Still My Soul for my Kindle or in hard copy so I can donate it to the church library. Thanks for sharing.
Oh Nancy, how beautiful your words are! That is the best romance of all. I’m honored that you’ll be reading Be Still My Soul and so glad to be agency mates with you! (And Melissa!)
I so want to read Joanne’s book! I think you just convinced me to stalk it down, Melissa and Joanne. 🙂
Hi Sarah! Thanks so much! I’m just chuckling at the thought of you stalking the book down…LOL. The writer in me is having way too much fun with that one. 🙂
I loved Joanne’s book. It’s not your usual romance because Gideon so doesn’t deserve dear Lonnie, but that’s what makes it special. It’s a story of hurts, healing, and hope. Of lessons, losses, and love. It’s a story readers are sure to enjoy. This one certainly did.
I enjoyed your intro, Melissa. You’re so real and so much fun. =)
Keli, It was such an honor to have you among the early readers for Be Still My Soul and to be able to watch your own journey unfold with A Bride Opens Shop. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the story!
Great post, Joanne! I love how you define romance as hope. And congrats on a beautifully written book – so glad I had the chance to read it!
Thank you so much, Stacy! In my own romance, hope has been one of the strongest threads and it tends to find it’s way onto the pages of my stories. Happy release week! I’m so excited for you!
a wonderful posting melissa…
joanne…looking forward to reading your masterpiece 🙂
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Hi Karen! I’ve been so encouraged by your sweet words. The book is on it’s way and should be there soon!
Okay, another one to add to my reading list!
Take 2. I never seem to hit those reply buttons write :] Marney, thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the story. And can I just say how much I love your name?! 🙂
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