Night’s chill tickled her skin. Lonnie pressed her hands together and glanced up. He was even more handsome up close. Having grown up the shy, awkward daughter of Joel Sawyer, she’d hardly spoken to any boy, let alone the one who had mothers whispering warnings in their daughter’s ears and fathers loading shotguns.
Pretty Lonnie Sawyer is shy and innocent, used to fading into the background … the background within her family, and among the creeks and hollows of the Appalachian hills. Though her family is poor and her father abusive, she clings to a quiet faith. But when handsome ladies’ man and bluegrass musician Gideon O’Riley steals a kiss, that one action seals her fate.
Her father forces her into a hasty marriage with Gideon — a man she barely knows and does not love. Equally frustrated and confused by his new responsibilities, Gideon yearns for a fresh start, forcing Lonnie on an arduous journey away from her home in Rocky Knob.
Her distant groom can’t seem to surrender his rage at the injustice of the forced matrimony or give Lonnie any claim in his life. What will it take for Gideon to give up his past, embrace Lonnie’s God, and discover a hope that can heal their two fractured hearts?
Gideon only ever cared about himself. Now that Lonnie is his wife, will he ever be worthy of her heart?
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I fell in love with Joanne Bischof’s writing through her newest release, Sons of Blackbird Mountain. So I thought, why not start with her debut novel and work toward the present? Wow, this book did not disappoint. Even in her debut novel, her trademark of beautiful and poignant writing, intricate and heart-grabbing plot, broken and complex souls, …
descriptions and great plot. I recommend this book and will be reading more from this author
After reading wonderful reviews about this novel and already having a love for the Appalachian Mountains and marriage of convenience stories, I knew I had to read this book. Joanne Bischof does a lovely job of creating an atmosphere that makes one live and breathe in the location and time period. I could feel the cool, mountain air and hear the …
uplifting story, with a good romance.
I will definitely read more of this author
Lonnie’s life was one tragic thing after another. Only her Aunt understood heart wanted more. Until she was forced to marry and then move down the mountains looking for work. It’s only after another brutal encounter that she is rescued. Then life takes a drastic turn for Lonnie and her husband.
This was a great story.