The Lady and The Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

  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.

Available @ Amazon as well as other retailers

Biography

A Carol Award and three-time Christy Award-finalist, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader's heartstrings. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children.


www.joannebischof.com
INSTAGRAM @masonjarbooks
FACEBOOK Author, Joanne Bischof

Here is what I Thought.....
Be still my heart! This is my first time reading a book by Joanne Bischof, and I am very sad that I have waited this long to do it. I loved the setting of this book. Reading about the circus from a lifetime ago was so captivating. I was in love with Charlie from the first page he was on. I saw the strength and love and honor he exuded and was completely taken with his character. The character of Ella touched my heart so! I found myself wanting to wrap her in a big hug and be her friend.
The story begins with Ella helping Charlie take care of someone close to him. Little does she know that helping him will change her life forever. Ella and Charlie are the perfect pair and I spent the whole book wanting them to get there fairytale.
This book is so captivating and impressive. I was amazed at how easily I was transported back in time to a place I now long to visit, (even if time travel isn't possible.) I guess I will just need to read this book over and over. I can't say enough about how wonderful this book is. My only negative is that I need a sequel! Trust me, when you read it, you will too.  I was blessed to win a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a review.

5 of 5 stars
PG rating
teens/adults
no profanity/explicit content