"Be Still My Soul" by Joanne Biscof, book review, Cadence of Grace series, book 1.
Lonnie is shy and just tries to stay out of sight and out-of-the-way. That is the surest way to avoid harsh words or blows from her father. Her mother tries to protect her, but is rather ineffective. Only her aunt provides the love, nurturing and Biblical training that Lonnie desires.
The novel is set in the Appalachian hills and shows the poverty and hard lives endured by the people who call this beautiful country home. While attending a local gathering, Lonnie is forced to sing for the group, against her wishes, then is escorted home by the handsome Gideon. When he steals a good night kiss, Lonnie's father takes advantage of the situation and forces the two to marry.
The story continues as Lonnie and Gideon try to make the best of a bad situation. Both have wounds from their fathers and do not know how to truly love and trust. While attempting to make it on their own, the young couple finds their way to the home of Jedediah and Elsie who show them the true love of God and model a loving marriage.
But can Lonnie and Gideon accept such kindness and learn to become a family? Matters are complicated by a coming baby and poor decisions that Gideon made on the road.
This novel is easy to read and has great character development. Their emotions seem so real and I was quickly drawn into the story. While this is the 1st in the series, I hope that the next book is released soon, so I can see how the story ends.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Waterbrook Press. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lonnie is shy and just tries to stay out of sight and out-of-the-way. That is the surest way to avoid harsh words or blows from her father. Her mother tries to protect her, but is rather ineffective. Only her aunt provides the love, nurturing and Biblical training that Lonnie desires.
The novel is set in the Appalachian hills and shows the poverty and hard lives endured by the people who call this beautiful country home. While attending a local gathering, Lonnie is forced to sing for the group, against her wishes, then is escorted home by the handsome Gideon. When he steals a good night kiss, Lonnie's father takes advantage of the situation and forces the two to marry.
The story continues as Lonnie and Gideon try to make the best of a bad situation. Both have wounds from their fathers and do not know how to truly love and trust. While attempting to make it on their own, the young couple finds their way to the home of Jedediah and Elsie who show them the true love of God and model a loving marriage.
But can Lonnie and Gideon accept such kindness and learn to become a family? Matters are complicated by a coming baby and poor decisions that Gideon made on the road.
This novel is easy to read and has great character development. Their emotions seem so real and I was quickly drawn into the story. While this is the 1st in the series, I hope that the next book is released soon, so I can see how the story ends.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Waterbrook Press. All opinions expressed are my own.
