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About Though My Heart Is Torn

Gideon O’Riley has two wives—but he doesn’t know it.
  
Settling into a simple life in the majestic Blue Ridge mountains, Lonnie and Gideon O’Riley have finally found happiness after the rocky start to their marriage. The roguish bluegrass musician has fallen in love with his gentle wife and the God she serves, and Lonnie rests secure in his tenderness for her and their young son. A heartless ruse interupts their peace, bringing them back to Rocky Knob—and forces them to face the claims of Cassie Allan, a woman who says she is Gideon’s rightful wife.
 
As Gideon wades into the depths of his past choices, Lonnie is stunned by the revelations. She has no choice but to navigate this new path, knowing that surviving the devastating blow will take every ounce of strength she has.
 
While Gideon’s guilt and his bitterness towards Cassie threatens to burn up his fledgling faith, Lonnie wrestles to find the courage to trust the God who brought them together in the first place. Will their hard-earned love be able to conquer all?
 
Lonnie only wanted her husband’s love. Now that he belongs to another, can she surrender Gideon to a God with a bigger plan?

Praise

Praise for Though My Heart Is Torn

“Joanne Bischof is a lovely storyteller and a unique new voice in historical fiction. Exploring the nature of love, personal responsibility, and the power of God’s faithfulness, Though My Heart Is Torn is a rich novel.
Highly recommended.”
—Cindy Woodsmall, author of A Season for Tending and the New York Times best-seller The Harvest of Grace

“Fresh and memorable as an Appalachian spring, Though My Heart Is Torn is heartrending yet hopeful, romantic, and riveting. Joanne Bischoff delivers a deeply drawn tale of hearts broken and mended in the light of the Lord’s healing love. Lonnie and Gideon’s story is one that stays with you long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended!”
—Laura Frantz, author of The Colonel’s Lady and Love’s Reckoning

Be Still My Soul introduced the ultimate villain, Joel Sawyer. He coerced his shy daughter to sing for a crowd, failed to defend her when she was assaulted, then forced her to marry her assailant. Sawyer’s up to no good again in Though My Heart Is Torn, shattering the happiness his daughter found with her husband and bringing her a heartbreak worse
than death. This is a story for everyone who ever cried out ‘Why, God? It wasn’t supposed to turn out this way.’ ”
—Catherine Richmond, author of Spring for Susannah and Through Rushing Water

“Just when I was sure characterization couldn’t be drawn any deeper, a setting any richer, or conflict any more engaging than in Be Still My Soul, Joanne Bischof delivers Though My Heart Is Torn. Joanne’s astounding ability to paint captivating word pictures of humanity and hope already has me impatiently awaiting the last book in her Cadence of Grace series. And every book after that.”
—Mona Hodgson, author of The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series and The Quilted Hearts novellas

Praise for
Be Still My Soul

“Bischof kicks off her Cadence of Grace series with a tale of love blossoming in the most daunting circumstances. A gem by an author sure to draw fans.”
—Publisher’s Weekly

“Bischof has written a heartwarming and inspirational historical romance that should appeal to fans of Karen Kingsbury.”
—Library Journal

“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 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, best-selling author

“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

Be Still My Soul gives readers a refreshing dip into nineteenth-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 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 heartrending 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 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 Joanne Bischof

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.

Product Details

352 pages | Published by Multnomah

On Sale Date: Apr 2, 2013

Trim Size: 5-1/2 x 8-1/4

Carton Quantity: 24

Sneak Peek

Gideon O’Riley has two wives—but he doesn’t know it.

Click here to download chapter one of Though My Heart Is Torn.

Settling into a simple life in the majestic Blue Ridge mountains, Lonnie and Gideon O’Riley have finally found happiness after the rocky start to their marriage. The roguish bluegrass musician has fallen in love with his gentle wife and the God she serves, and Lonnie rests secure in his tenderness for her and their young son. A heartless ruse interupts their peace, bringing them back to Rocky Knob—and forces them to face the claims of Cassie Allan, a woman who says she is Gideon’s rightful wife.

Click here to download chapter one of Though My Heart Is Torn.