Wednesday, August 31, 2016

The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof



  • Paperback: 378 pages
  • Publisher: Mason Jar Books (July 26, 2016)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0997513705
  • ISBN-13: 978-0997513707

About the Book:

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it's away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet--freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice.

As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella's own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl--boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

My Thoughts:
It frightens me just how closely I came to missing out on this book.  A few friends had posted a comment or two on a social media site, and knowing we have similar tastes I took a chance and sampled a few chapters.

I read chapter one...bought a copy...and settled in for a reading experience that can only be described as exquisite.  You'll be tempted to read the entire story in one sitting.  Go ahead, because I understand. Joanne leaves a trail of breadcrumbs, urging the reader to turn just one more page to uncover just one more hidden treasure within the pages.

But, after you've finished, do me a favor.  Take a deep breath, and dive back in.  Savor the nuances of the tale, feel the magical, fairytale essence, and wrap yourself in the comfort of the faith you'll discover in "The Lady and the Lionheart."

The reading world is captivated by fairytales, and a well crafted retelling tends to make a mark on the publishing world.  "The Lady and the Lionheart" packs the passion of a classic 'Beauty and the Beast' story, but layers a message of hope and eternity over the well known tapestry of love and seeing beyond the outer person to the heart and soul.

I'm struggling for words to convey my love for this book.  The cover is gorgeous, and the story within the pages is even more beautiful than anything I've read this year.  If you don't think book reviews/recommendations are effective, keep in mind that this was how I discovered this treasure!  My thanks to the friends who took the time to write reviews and to share their hearts.

My life is enriched by having encountered "The Lady and the Lionheart".  In a world of fixation on the superficial, this book is so timely and so appropriate.  That's why Joanne's novel receives my "For Such a Time" award.  I purchased a copy online, and "The Lady and the Lionheart" is available now.  Don't hesitate.

You'll be so glad you read this one.  Don't forget...

Mark Your Place,

Deena



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