“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
more
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was my first of Joanne Bischof but won’t be my last.
I finished this wonderful, unique novel late last night and cried my eyes out. Not because it was sad, but because I will miss these characters as if they were long-time friends. I will live in Charlie and Ella’s hauntingly beautiful world for a long time to come! The epilogue was brilliant and the redemption of the story lifted my heart and reminded me it is offered to all who bear the marks of sin.
There had been so many people talking about this book, I couldn’t wait to read it. I read it on my last book tour in January – WOW! So good!
I’d read a novella of Joanne’s before and loved it. Heard RAVE reviews for years from friends about this book, but (A) I really don’t like circuses and (B) I thought the title seemed a little uhh…precious and (C) the cover didn’t move me past those issues. Friends prevailed and I listened to the audio (which is well done too). And gosh, HOW I LOVED THIS BOOK. I don’t think I’ve read a more gentle, eloquent, romantic, sacrificial love/redemption story than this novel since REDEEMING LOVE. So…if you’ve had some of the same hang-ups, move on past ’em, and go nab Joanne’s beautiful, touching, haunting, memorable book. I promise, she somehow makes even circus-haters love circuses about 70% of the way through, and that’s just the backdrop.
From the moment he bursts onto the pages of The Lady and the Lionheart, Charlie Lionheart splashes color across Ella Beckley’s drab, confined world—and along the way he stole my heart. As Ella is drawn by necessity into his mysterious circus performer’s life, a world portrayed in vivid shades by Joanne Bishof— whimsical and threatening by turns—so readers will be drawn by the contradiction that is Charlie Lionheart, rooting for Ella to see past appearances to the man beneath, with a heart that bears the scars of unthinkable sacrifice. This tale has it all, heart, hope, mystery, love, and depth, spun beneath the vibrant tents of the Big Top world.
What a captivating love story! I was entranced by Ella and Charlie from the start. Bischof has created endearing characters that will find a place in readers’ hearts to stay.
Such a beautiful story!
No question about it, this book deserves all the stars! I didn’t just read this story, I lived it. Joanne Bischof created a vivid masterpiece, a world that I didn’t want to leave. This story lingered in my imagination and heart days after I finished the last page.
I fell in love with the characters. Even the secondary characters, and yes, even the lions! Each had a special role and each held a piece of my heart. You couldn’t convince me that it wasn’t real, so don’t even try, my heart wouldn’t believe you!
If you haven’t yet picked up this book, you need to run to your nearest library or bookstore and settle in for a delightful story that will hold you captive long past the final chapter! If you fall into the category of “I read it a year or so ago” then it may be time to dust it off and read it again! You can be sure that this story holds a place of honor on my keeper shelf and will be pulled out again for future enjoyment.
(I purchased a copy of this book for my own collection. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
One of my favorite reads of all time!
The Lady and the Lionheart is Joanne Bischof’s “book hangover inducing” new release. From the moment Charlie Lionheart strode into Ella’s hospital with little Holland in his arms my heart was on the line. These characters, their struggles, and the journey they take together is something I cannot shake from my thoughts even days after finishing the book.
I began reading with a few preconceived notions of how I thought a lion tamer would behave. Joanne shattered each one and in their place she’s created a humble man with an lion-sized heart. Evidence of his gentleness shines forth in his care for Holland as well as his cats (to which Bischof has assigned unique personalities). Furthermore, it can be seen in his willingness to break precedence by allowing a townie named Ella into his circus world.
The use of bold and often fanciful imagery kept me spellbound. Completely immersing me in a world of sideshow oddities and Big Top excitement. Still, there was so much more to this tale given it’s faith-filled messages of sacrificial love and healing. Half way through this year Joanne Bischof takes center ring with a novel worthy of my Best of 2016 list!
I think the only other book I’ve read that is centered on the circus is Water for Elephants. I randomly saw someone mention this one on Instagram and I’m pleased to say that the recommendation did not disappoint! There is a lot of heavy material but it is handled with hope and a gentle hand. The main characters are lovable and the minor characters add depth. I am very interested in reading more by this author.
The Lady (Ella) and the Lionheart (mysterious circus performer Charlie) stole my heart from the beginning. A redemptive captivating read which will stay with me long after I am done. I especially recommend this read as it has that something different and is so beautifully written.
I loved this book and the main characters were so likable. The author does an amazing job portraying the emotions for each character that you end up rooting for both of them throughout their journey.
Oh my word. I couldn’t put it down, feeling every emotion that the characters felt. My heart was invested in this book from the beginning; aren’t those the best kind of reads? I loved Charlie and his representation of Christ–his heart for redemption and self-sacrifice for the freedom of others. What love.
This is just a fantastic book with a ton of heart. I highly recommend.
I’m going to have to read this again to get the full treat of this story (like the other two books I’ve read of hers), but this was a story graced with well, grace. And such tender, subtle movements that are almost impossible to catch right away. Which is difficult for me, who normally flies through stories and doesn’t pay much attention to the finer details.
But Joanne writes with a tenderness that humans can’t always catch. There’s many scenes where readers do have to literally read between the lines. Which I never thought I’d love, but I do. She gives you a chance to write the story yourself – maybe it’s a way to let the Holy Spirit guide the reading. And I do my best to honor that by letting the story flow and not going “wait, what?” Which I did do.
The story alone wasn’t as stellar as the Sons of Blackbird Mountain and it’s sequel (I don’t know if that’s toppable) but the writing was just as excellent. So it’s getting five stars anyways.
The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof
Was informed about this book by The Book Network Club (bookfun.org) and was able to get a copy for my BARD player.
Story starts out with a female voice and it’s about Ella and where she works and she runs into a new patient: the man who’s holding 7 month old daughter with high fever. The doctor gives his OK to find out her temperature and other information.
After she quickly gets drinks together for her the doctor allows her to watch after the baby. She’s only at work and must leave but returns the next day to find the man is in an uproar about the circus people, of which he is one.
Alternate chapters with a male voice are from Charlie’s side of things. He introduces her to the circus world when she shows up to tend to the child because she’s left her spot at the doctors office.
He comes to find her to tend to the child again and then gives the baby a bath and he returns to work. She’s able to watch him work with the lions while holding the child he cares for…
Love hearing how devoted she is to helping others with her knowledge.
Like hearing about the lions and everything about the circus so much to learn about.
Travel, romance, legends that also have religious connections, mysteries, secrets make this story well wroth the time to read it.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
I heard so many good things about this book, I couldn’t wait to read it. And I have to say I agree with many of the reviews. It’s a phenomenal read!
The glimpse into the lives of circus workers was so detailed I felt like I was actually there experiencing it with Ella. And I loved how Joanne Bischof slowly chips away at Ella’s exterior to reveal her past and her inner battles.
Charlie is such a sweet hero, and I appreciated seeing his sacrifice for his niece Holland. Bischof drops hints here and there at what his secret and largest sacrifice has been, but I didn’t see the final reveal coming. When I realized what he had done, I could completely understand his motives and struggle.
Bischof also beautifully shows us the healing Ella and Charlie both have to go through. The novel provided such a sweet love story that I didn’t want to put it down until I finished it.
(This review originally appeared on my blog at https://justjenniferpurcell.com/2019/05/31/just-read-hope-by-the-book-reading-challenge-pt-2/)
Joanne Bischof is totally underrated on Bookbub. She is a fantastic Christian author who does not beat you over the head with her characters views on faith. Charlie and Ella are characters with realistic problems through no fault of their own. Which is life. How they choose to deal with them is what makes you keep reading. I love the circus location the amount of research Joanne obviously under takes makes her books phenomenal reads.
Charlie is the best hero ever!
One of the best books I’ve ever read. The characters pull u into the story with them and you can literally feel all of their emotions. I haven’t been able to find that many books that can make me feel like I’m right there with them, all tied into their lives. Totally loved it