Tuesday, August 16, 2016

The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

Two worlds collide when the circus comes to Victorian-era Virginia.

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.

Just then a child in the row behind Ella cried out, “Look, Mama!”

Charlie, dressed in his center ring finery, strode into the arena, as strong and strapping as ever. Face powdered and painted with two jagged teardrops under his eyes, he walked with stoic authority, tall boots forging a fresh trail straight toward his audience. Ella didn’t know a single man could hush a packed house with no words, but…then there was Charlie Lionheart.



A Carol Award and three-time Christy Award-finalist, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. She was honored to receive the SDCWG Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon Writer’s conference. Her 2014 novella, THIS QUIET SKY, broke precedent as the first self-released title to final for the Christy Awards. Her 2015 novel, TO GET TO YOU, was the second.

She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children. Watch for her 2016 Victorian novel, THE LADY AND THE LIONHEART coming this summer!


 
 
My Take~
 
Joanne weaves a story that touched my heart on every level. Charlie the Lionheart and Ella are two characters that I won't soon forget. The story is full of hope, faith and sacrifice. Charlie is not only handsome, he is charismatic with jagged edges that makes him the best kind of  hero, Ella is gentle, and full of compassion which pairs her matchlessly with Charlie.  
Little Holland is a sweet addition to this story, I love when kids are apart of the story, I think they add a lot of fun, and Holland does just that.
While the story has heartache, it is also full hope and faith. 
I highly recommend this book!
  

 

1 comment:

Caryl Kane said...

Andie, this one is on my MUST read list! I enjoyed your review!

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