Joanne Bischof's new book, "Be Still My Soul" was a delight to read. It is a tale of backwoods people living in the Appalachian Mountains in the early 1900's. Lonnie, a pretty but socially inept 17-year-old is walked home late at night by Gideon, a young man who has been around the block a time or two. When Lonnie's alcoholic father sees Gideon trying to take advantage of his daughter, he assumes the worst, and a shotgun wedding is planned for the next day.
As the story progresses, Lonnie has to learn to adjust to an unplanned wedding and life with a man she does not know. When living with his parents becomes unpleasant, the couple goes away to make a new life in another town. Interesting subplots include meeting an older couple who take them in and teach them about responsibility and love.
Ms. Bischof has written an outstanding story of growing up and growing into love while depending on God. It is comforting to watch Gideon, as he learns to think of someone other than himself and to watch Lonnie, as she leans on Scriptures she has learned to help her through trying times.
The writing is impeccable and flows easily. The book is easy to read and hard to put down. I read it in a day and a half. This book was sent to me free by Waterbrook Multnomah free for my honest review.
