Thursday, March 2, 2017

The Lady and the Lionheart

GIVEAWAY

BISCHOF, JOANNE
THE LADY AND THE LIONHEART

Carpe Diem...

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 this 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 watful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a lvoe 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.

My Review:

I've heard chatter about this book all across cyberspace. Can't count how many people said, "Oh, you must read The Lady and the Lionheart!" And it made the rounds on people's top reads of 2016 lists. The buzz kept getting louder and I was beginning to feel like I was the last person on the planet to read this book! Not for lack of trying but for some reason it was either sold out or unavailable to ship to my country ('cause Canada is so exotic and all!) But finally...FINALLY...I understand the hype and I'm eager to chime in.

I can sum it all up in one word. Charlie. Seriously swoonworthy. Tough and determined. Gentle and kind. Passionate. Committed. Loyal. Fierce. And oh so tender! His faith is his anchor, his desire to share the power of God's grace touched me in ways no other hero has. He has a servant's heart and his powerful example of sacrificial love is mind-blowing. Sigh.There's just something about Charlie. If I was into making lists and composed a Best Hero Ever in the History of the World one Charlie would be right at the top.

And then there's Ella. The perfect foil for such a noble hero. She hides a tragic past behind her cool professional demeanor. She doesn't know what to make of Charlie. Truthfully, he doesn't make the best first impression but she does find him intriguing and it isn't long before she finds herself entangled in his world. There's an exquisite Beauty and the Beast quality to their love story. I savored every single word. It's not the kind of novel you want to hurry through because I happen to agree with Charlie: "If you're passionate about something, why rush?" (p 123) And I am passionate about this book. I might just have to read it again.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Lady and the Lionheart please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you post a comment and add your email address please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 5 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

69 comments:

  1. I've read this one. I never really thought of the "Beauty & the Beast" angle before, but I can certainly see that when I think back on the story! Maybe that's why I loved it so much :-)

    Funny thing, my library had purchased this when it first released at my request, so I was the first to crack open the pages! I smiled knowing it would pass through many more readers hands & hearts :-)

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    1. Isn't if fun to be the first ever to read brand spankin' new library book??????? I'm glad you requested it because now more people can find this wonderful story.

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    2. I'm surprised My Online Library has bought a couple books at my request That is very cool

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    3. I make requests for Christian Fiction titles every month at my library. We're allowed 5 a month and request 5 a month. They usually purchase what I ask for too. Woot! And once they arrive they are always in high demand. Double Woot!

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  2. I've heard so many great things about this book that I'd like to read it myself. :) Thanks for the chance.
    mbaaij at hetnet dot nl

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    1. And they are all true!!! Good luck, Marian.

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  3. Ahhh, Joanne is among my favorite authors!
    Campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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    1. This is the first book I've read by her!!!! I'll be reading more. Good luck, Amy.

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  4. I've been waiting for your review on this one because I've had mixed emotions about reading it. Like you, I've heard so much about this book and seen it on everyone's best list. But while everyone loves it, they also say it's heartbreaking.

    This has me thinking, to read or not to read? Do I really want to have my heart broken to meet Charlie? Sounds like all the angst might be worth it to meet The Best Hero Ever in the History of the World, so throw my name in the lion's cage with Charlie and I'll hope I survive, lol.

    Thanks for the review and the giveaway Kav!

    tracey14567 at gmail dot com

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    1. Welll.....heart fracturing maybe but it will be made whole again by the end. Does that help? The threads of grace and the healing power of love make all the difference. I think you'll be surprised and you'll love it. Good luck, Tracey.

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    2. Tracey, I needed the big smile your comment gave me today!

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    3. Joanne, I will be reading The Lady and the Lionheart one way or the other, looking forward to finding out what everyone (it seems) knows that I don't know and discovering what I've been missing.

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  5. I have been eyeballing this one for a while! I need to read it. :) lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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  6. One book I haven't read yet of hers. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. I've been looking forward to your review on this one because, like you, I feel like I'm the only one who hasn't read it. It sounds so good. Thanks for the giveaway.
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. It's tremendous!!!!! I'm glad I'm not the only one who hadn't read it yet. Good luck, Loraine.

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  8. I keep seeing this cover and I've read this author before! She really knows how to make a story poignant and touching. I would love to read this one! Such a unique setting for a story.
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Totally unique and really carries the story. Good luck, Nicole.

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  9. Joanne is a great author. I've been reading the reviews of this book and it sounds like a great one. Thanks for the review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. It has rave reviews, doesn't it? Good luck, Donna.

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  10. Love the title!!!
    Karenskrayons@gmail.com

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    1. I love everything about this book. Good luck, Karen.

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  11. Here, too......thought I was only one who had NOT read it! I have heard so much about it and love your review, Kav! This is a must read for me so THANKS for your giveaway! My library does not have it.
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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    1. My library wasn't able to get it either. I think because it's from a small press or self-pubbed. :-( But it's soooooooo amazing, Jackie. I think of it as a must read. Hope you get a chance soon. Good luck!

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  12. Oooh! I've wanted to read this book!
    Elly -Indiana-

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  13. I've had this in my sights. TY for the chance.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  14. Kav, I am so honored by your review AND the giveaway! I had spotted your review on Amazon and was so touched by it that I texted my mom as she loves to read them (yes... we do this! ;) ) Thanks for reading it and for sharing your thoughts with all of us. I am blessed by you! And it's fun to read these comments, some who have read it and some who haven't...it's always an honor to know it's piqued interest and ladies are looking forward to it one day!

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    1. And what a lot of awesome reviews it has on Amazon!!!!! Happy to add to the adoration. :-) The Lady and the Lionheart is definitely high on my list of best books ever! It would make an awesome book club selection too. So much to talk about. Thanks for writing it, Joanne.

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  15. Yes, I've heard so much about this book and would love to read it.

    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

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  16. I've been reading great things about this book too! Thanks for the chance to win it!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. It has such rave reviews! And they are all true. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  17. I was quite certain I was the only one who has not read this book.
    So many great reviews--I'll definitely be reading it soon.
    Thanks for the review.
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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    1. LOL -- I'm so glad I wasnt' the only slacker. Bwahahaha. Good luck, Pam.

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  18. I too have heard rave reviews since this book came out but have not had a chance to read it. Now I am really smitten! Charlie sounds so tough but tender. and I'm anxious to learn more about Ella and the intriguing story of the gypsy girl. You totally got me, Kav, when you said there's an exquisite Beauty and the Beast quality to their love story...sigh.. ..I just love that story! Thanks for another phenominal review and the opportunity of this giveaway! ~ Alison

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I think Beauty and the Beast is my favourite fairy tale ever so I love finding fiction that reminds me of it. Good luck, Alison.

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  19. I live under a turnip truck but having read your review and witnessed the lovely comments on the book it will be next on my list to purchase. Thanks, Kav!

    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. LOL - as long as you have some bookshelves under that turnip truck you're fine. Hopefully this book will find its way there soon. Good luck, Diane.

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  20. Looks really good, Thanks for sharing it with us and for the chance to win a copy. iamabho (at) gmail (dot) com

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  21. Do not be afraid to read The Lady and the Lionheart because you will weep. What made me weep the most was the beautiful way Joanne showed God's love for us. They were tears of joy, not sorrow (though there are certainly some sad moments too). You DO NOT want to miss reading this book! I'm trying to get a hold of some extra copies so my book club can read and discuss it. I predict awards for this book.
    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Amen, Pam, and this would make a wonderful book club selection. So much to talk about. Good luck.

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  22. Kav, I've heard lots of good things about this book. Include me in the draw, please! :)

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  23. I've heard a lot of really good things about this book, too. I'd love to be entered. Thanks for stopping by!

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  24. I too have read many of the reviews and heard all of the hype. Because I don't normally buy new books, I often have to wait a little longer to read them, but this one sounds like it might be worth it. Thanks for sharing your lovely review.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. P.S. Why is it so hard to get christian fiction books in Canada?

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    2. Patty, I know what you mean by not being always able to buy books. Maybe you can do a library purchase request at your local library or even an Inter-libary loan for this book. :-) Definitely one I'd recommend too!

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    3. Patty -- it's not all Christian fiction that's hard to come by up here, just some. Usually books that have been self-pubbed or come from smaller publishers. And for some unknown reason this book and another one couldn't be shipped up her from CBD -- "not available to ship to your country." Have no idea why. But I persevered. Good luck, Patty.

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  25. This cover is so lovely! I've read so many great reviews this one is definitely on my TBR. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the generous giveaway!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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  26. KAV, I love your review! I'm looking forward to "savoring" this story while sipping a cuppa tea.
    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Caryl. And yes, definitely a book to be savored...and sighed over. Good luck.

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  27. I've been wanting to read this book for awhile now. I'm pretty new to Katie's books, I've only listened to an audiobook of The Gifting, but I do have her newest book Life. Anyway.... Great review! Hope to read this book soon.
    Blessings!
    Jasmine
    montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com

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  28. What a review, Kav! Now I MUST to read the book.

    Count me in, please.

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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  29. I've been wanting to read one of this author's book for a very long time. She's such a sweet person too :D

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

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    1. I'm anxious to read her other stories as well but I have a feeling The Lady and the Lionheart will always hold a special place in my reader's heart no matter what else I read. Good luck, Samantha.

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  30. I've been wanting to read this book for so long!!! Thank you so much for doing this giveaway!!!!! :)

    rosebudsinjune at gmail dot com

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  31. I would love to win this book! paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

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