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A Promising Debut to a New Series

by Melanie Banton

September 3, 2012

Be Still My Soul is a strong beginning to Joanne Bischof''s The Cadence of Grace Series. Bischof avoids a cliche plot and creates a love story that is a blend of both pain and gentleness. The balance results in a story that is hard to put down. The Appalachian Mountains form a scenic backdrop, harboring unexpected dangers, but also unexpected blessings that transform the lives of both Lonnie and Gideon.

Lonnie and Gideon have vastly different personalities, and their relationship struggles add interest, heartbreak, and depth to the plot. Lonnie is a very endearing character, as gentle as the fog rolling between the mountains. She exemplifies quiet faith and strength. It is easy to sympathize with her plight as her life takes unexpected paths. Gideon begins as a much less likable character, and his growth throughout the novel provides extra depth. From the beginning, Gideon is an untamed, self-centered young man who is more focused on his own desires, regardless of their expense to others. His disregard for Lonnie after their marriage is painful to observe, but makes Gideon's slow transformation much more meaningful. In the last 20 pages of Be Still My Soul, I questioned if the novel would have a resolution. Fortunately it does, but I was expecting a bit more. After the number of difficulties they have already faced in their short marriage, a strong current of hope and happiness is just beginning to flow in the last pages. I hope to see more of Gideon and Lonnie in the next novel, Though My Heart is Torn.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”