Sometimes a novel comes along that delights, enchants and entertains, plus leaves its readers speechless. One such novel is The Lady and the Lionheart. This is the kind of novel that made me nervous to write about because it’s that good. But as I sit down to write out my thoughts in what I hope is a coherent manner, I am again flooded with memories (these few days later) of how memorable this story is.
The Lady and the Lionheart, by Joanne Bischof | The Story
Inside its pages we meet Ella Beckley, a young nurse caring for everyone save for the wounds that scar her own past. Into her life walk the bigger-than-life Charlie Lionheart. Guarding secrets of his own, Charlie has more than himself to protect against the threat against his life. Having traveled with the Big Top for as long as he can remember, meeting Ella opens Charlie’s eyes to their being more to life.
…but with their bruised hearts, first they have to discover healing and hope before each other.
She swallowed the burn of tears, consumed with her love for him and the way it mixed with the heaviness of loss. Of shock and broken hopes. – Joanne Bischof
REVIEW | Each of the novels I have been privileged to read by Joanne is like an intricate step into yesteryear. She has a beautiful way of spinning a tale that isn’t just about the narration it’s about telling a story. Believe me, there’s a difference. The Lady and the Lionheart brims with greater complexity than I anticipated probably because I didn’t read a description before I opened my Kindle app to begin reading. The journey is all the more rewarding because of this. We’re not only invited into Ella and Charlie’s story but are beckoned inside their world which is full of wonder and mythical things. Set in the circus scene circa 1890, the enchantment of the setting is only the beginning.
BOOK REVIEW | ‘Whose Waves These Are’: A Beautiful Historical Debut Novel
Within the author’s rich tapestry, a stage is set that gently prods out the best (and worst) of these characters. The result is always beautiful. Fairytale enthusiasts will also be pleased to discover this is, at its heart, a romance that looks deeper and in many ways revises the beloved Beauty and the Beast. Ella and Charlie’s journey is not only about the romance of their growing feelings, it’s about them becoming whole people as individuals, and seeking healing. Ella is searching for forgiveness she didn’t know she needed to give, and Charlie is searching for redemption he shouldn’t have to seek.
If you like historical fiction, they don’t come any more sincere or genuine than those penned by Joanne Bischof. The Lady and the Lionheart is a superb example of what it means to artfully craft fiction. It’s messy in its imperfections and allows its characters to breathe before they are reunited. Believe me, this heartbreak is worth it. Not only does this novel reward its characters, it rewards its readers, which is the greatest gift. ❤
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About the Book:
Author: Joanne Bischof
Publisher: Mason Jar Books
Source: Author Provided
Publication Date: 2016
Find the Review Elsewhere: Goodreads
Find the Book Elsewhere: Goodreads
Genre: Fiction; Historical, Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Note: this review was published in the archives five or more years earlier. Since moving to WordPress, 90% of the reviews, lists and articles need re-formats and/or other updates. Updated edits and changes to fit current formats have been made; it has also been updated with new photos, and republished.
Originally published July 26, 2016
What a beautiful review, Rissi. I'm starting it shortly (once I finish my novel's edits. As a reward system LOL) and am already blown away by the intrigue and deep redemptive threads Joanne's woven into this novel of her heart. <3
What a wonderful reward, Meghan. I like the way you think, friend. Best of luck with those edits (looking forward to someday seeing YOUR novel in the world) and enjoy 'Lionheart.' It's worth the wait and then some. <3
Isn't it such a LOVELY story? The beautiful prose coupled with the fascinating characters just came together in a perfect union with this book. I loved it so much I just ordered a paperback copy so I can share it with all my real life friends! :)
It is, Kara. I'm in awe of beautiful novels like this. Joanne truly wrote a masterpiece with this stunner. I ordered a paperback on Sunday night too. As if that book purchase was even in question, right!? ;)
This sounds like a beautiful story!
It’s all kinds of beautiful, Angela. :)
Thanks for this great review, Rissi! I have heard wonderful things about this book! I will definitely have to read it!!!
Hope you enjoy this one if you have the chance to read it, Alison. It remains one of my favorites. :)