My Hope is Found by Joanne Bischof

Happy Friday everyone! I'm so happy it's Friday! I was even MORE excited to receive this book from the Blogging for Books program to review. As you all know, I absolutely LOVED the first two books, Be Still My Soul and Though My Heart is Torn. I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this book! Now I've received it, read it, and I'm sad the series is over! There was a little hint that a new series might continue the story of one of the characters, and that makes me happy! :)

Overview: Gideon O’Riley has been given another chance at a life with Lonnie. But will the fight for her heart risk it all over again?

After finally finding love with his sweet bride Lonnie, Gideon’s heart was torn when a woman from his past claimed to be his true and rightful wife, forcing him away from his family. God’s merciful hand saw Gideon through the heartache, and with Cassie’s blessing, he is able to return home. But his journey back through the Blue Ridge Mountains will hold a trial he never anticipated.

Meanwhile, Lonnie determines to seal off her heart from Gideon, convinced he is lost to her forever. Strengthening her resolve to move on is her growing fondness for the handsome Scotsman, Toby McKee—the young reverend she has come to care for deeply. His proposal of marriage offers a bright future for her and her young son.

Yearning to allow joy back into her life, Lonnie must put aside the broken pieces of her heart that still love Gideon. When he returns to find her betrothed to another, he has to place his hope in God, trusting that the One who redeemed their love once can do it again.

My Review: Where do I even begin? Lonnie is such a strong woman. Who could endure all that she's had to endure and still keep their faith and their hope in the Lord? I certainly had a hard time doing that. Lonnie's struggles are believable and real. We get to know Toby's character better. He is exceptionally down to earth and "real" for a preacher. He is kind-hearted and flawed. He loves Lonnie, but he continues to pray for God's will instead of giving in to his selfish desires. Gideon, oh Gideon! There are times I would like to grab him by the shoulders and shake him! Everything he wants is right in front of him! All he has to do is reach out and take what God is giving him. I like that the author didn't do just that. His internal struggle to accept all that God offers is commendable and very, very real.

This story is so authentic. I don't believe I've read any book that comes close to it. Joanne Bischof is masterful at pulling your emotions in every direction and keeping you entrenched in the story. The depth of emotions these characters go through is poignant and real. Lonnie, Gideon, and Toby go through so much and their characters are developed extremely well. The story is bittersweet. It kept me guessing at the ending until I reached it. I had hopes, but I was uncertain as to how it would end. I'm very satisfied with how it ends.

Overall, the story is a very satisfying conclusion to the Cadence of Grace series. Lessons learned in the book are different for each character, but clear. Be patient. Wait on the Lord. He will make all things right in your life, if you allow Him to. Keep your head up and keep going. The Lord will be there with you every step of the way. I loved this book!

"Letting go can be a harder way to love than holding on."

 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31

More fun, with links!

• Learn more about Joanne Bischof
• Follow Joanne: Twitter * Facebook * Pinterest * Joanne's Blog
• Read an excerpt from My Hope is Found
• Coming 10/15/13!! Pre-order now: B&N * Amazon * Christianbook.com

**I received an ARC copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.**