“Heartachingly beautiful” – RT Book Reviews, 5 Star TOP PICK!Virginia, 1890Raised 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 … 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.
2017 INSPY Award winner
2017 Carol Award finalist
2017 RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award winner
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This is one of my all time favorite reads! The original circus setting, vivid descriptions, and compelling characters had my attention throughout. I would read this book multiple times. That’s how much I loved it.
This story surprised me with its spiritual depths and the kind of romance that stays with you long after the book is shelved. Intriguing themes and unexpected events. I’ll be reading more by this author. Am calling this my fave read of 2020.
Set against the fascinating backdrop of a circus in 1890, “The Lady and the Lionheart” by Joanne Bischof is an emotionally riveting story. It features a diverse cast of complex and interesting characters. The leads, Ella and Charlie, are each sympathetic and likeable. But Charlie especially shines as one of the most unique heroes I’ve found in Christian fiction.
Be Aware: The topic of rape is addressed during the story in a realistic yet sensitive manner, which allows the reader to empathize without feeling violated.
I’d recommend “The Lady and the Lionheart” to readers of Historical Romance looking for something unique and poignant.
Y’all, this book! I’m a bit behind on reading this. Many of the book bloggers I follow made a huge deal about this book when it came out-so much so that I made sure to purchase it as soon as I could. But then. Then I waited forever to read it. I think partly because I was afraid it might not live up to all the wonderful gushing that had occurred. But now I have read it. And I wish I had not waited so long. I did not want the book to end. And I wish there was another one. This was such an incredible book-beautiful and haunting and just so gentle and wild all at the same time. Words fail me in describing the story of this book. Charlie and Ella are just so vibrant, so real. Their story is heart achingly precious. This is one book that actually caused me to shed real tears (in a good way). There were times when I just had to pause in my reading and think about it. And when finished reading it, I couldn’t stand the idea of reading anything else for a short while. I just wanted to linger in their world longer. Wonderful, wonderful, truly lovely book!
Heart-wrenchingly beautiful…The Lady and The Lionheart is a story of love, loss, hope, and redemption; a story that will live in the hearts of its readers for years to come.
Having grown up in a circus town, I found myself taken back to my childhood and drinking in all that is the circus. Author Joanne Bischof drew me in with her detailed descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of the traveling show, then took me behind the Big Top into the secret life of its performers during the late 1890’s.
Charlie Lionheart has known no other life than the rolling circus. He stoically performs his acts for the “rubes” but his heart lies in the back lot of tents, vardos, his gypsy friends (the only people with whom he can be himself), and his beloved lions.
Ella Bleckley is trying to outrun her past and all the pain it carries and the fear it invites. She longs to go to school and become a real nurse. Even more, she misses her family, the good times they shared, and the feeling of home. Most of all, she misses all that was stolen from her.
When their lives collide, past fears awaken, secrets are revealed, and their hearts become entwined. With the ever present threat of losing his young charge, Charlie and Ella wrestle with their feelings for each other and the heavy obligations that overshadow their lives.
Bischof has masterfully crafted a magnificent tale of two tattered souls seeking love and acceptance in the midst of uncommon circumstances. A story that spoke to my heart and one I will not soon forget. A solid 5 star rating!
Loved this book. It was different, a page turned. Really enjoyed the characters and the twists and turns.
One of my favorite reads. Not your usual romance novel’s. The Historical part of how the carnival people lived drew me in. Also it was a very spiritual book without it being religious. The kind that goes straight to the heart.
Wonderful love story
An odd orginal story line.
Very unusual story—warmed my heart!
I am a voracious reader. This was the best book I read for the entire year. Fantastic, incredible story. Beautiful.
Beautiful and touching story, wonderful and deep character development, fascinating setting. Loved it!
The lady and the Lionheart was a wonderful read. The story plot is original and the characters are wonderfully developed and believable. I enjoyed the writing of this author and will be on the watch for more of her books.
The characters were very likable