*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Published: April 2nd, 2013 (Multnomah Books)
Pages: 352
Rating: 5/5
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 interrupts 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?
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?
Having never read any of Joanne’s books before, I didn’t know what to expect. I was a little confused at the prologue as I didn’t read the first book in the series, Be Still My Soul. I easily caught on to the storyline after the first few chapters, though, and enjoyed the rest of the book without any confusion.
The plot absolutely captivated me! Joanne wove a heart-touching story with an “unsolvable” dilemma that makes you ache for the characters involved. This book takes you on a journey of emotions; I was constantly indecisive about which character I was empathetic towards, because each chapter flip flops your heart back and forth. First I was rooting for Lonnie, then I (slowly) warmed up to Cassie. I love all the messages of this book, as well: God forgives us of our mistakes, but there are consequences attached to our actions. Sometimes what we think is best for us is not always what God has in mind.
The only issue I had with this book was that from chapter to chapter, it seemed like Lonnie and Gideon just kept yearning for each other more and more and more and more. There were some chapters that didn’t seem to have a point aside from continuing to express these two characters’ grief. It got a little tiring and repetitive and started to feel like filler material. That was the only thing that really irked me, though it wasn’t too big of a deal.
The ending turned out way differently than I thought it would. There’s not a major plot twist or anything, but the storyline does evolve into something unexpected. I’m really eager to read the first book now (and the third, when it comes out). This is definitely one of the best historical fictions I’ve read in a while.
Language: None
Violence: None
Sexual: Mild (Some kissing.)
Thanks for the sweet review, Shelby! I'm so glad you enjoyed Though My Heart is Torn and hope you enjoy the others!! <3
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