A Simply Enchanted Life

Be Still My Soul: A Novel by Joanne Bischof

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


"Be Still my Soul" is a debut novel by the author, Joanne Bischof. I really wanted to like this book. The cover is beautiful and the storyline seemed like it would be interesting but it fell short of my expectations.

My thoughts and feelings about this book are so conflicted. So much so that I've had trouble putting my thoughts into words and explaining why I feel this book deserved a two star rating.

In terms of expression, this book was very well written aside from just a bit of redundancy in the use of terms or descriptions. It was the story line that truly bugged me about this book. Where I was let down? I expected to pick up this book and read a story of love developing against all odds. Instead what I find is a young girl, Lonnie, traded off to a man she doesn't love. Not only does she not love him...he tried to take advantage of her and she despises him! I know situations like this happened in times of yesteryear, however I find it hard to believe that the character would fall for the man who she despises in such a short period of time.

Lonnie's husband was downright abusive and she played right into falling and swooning for him within what felt like days. Even the symptoms of her pregnancy showed up way too soon. Unrealistically soon...It seems they were only together a week and she was already experiencing nausea and pregnancy symptoms. In terms of abuse and his actions, I felt this was no different than the abusive relationships that are glorified in books like Twilight, in which a young girl falls for a man she shouldn't and instead of the reader being disgusted...you found yourself wishing her into an unhealthy relationship.

I really wanted to like this story but the characters were just not likable...at ALL. I never connected with them. I got tired of hearing Lonnie referred to as "little missy" so much so that I cringed every time it was used, which made me dislike even the decent characters in the story. I disliked Gideon so much that I really hoped his character would be killed - although I knew he wouldn't since Lonnie really had no one else and didn't want anyone else. She was content to be with this abusive scumbag from day two of their marriage it seems.

Did I hate the story...meh, not exactly. It was "okay" but it wasn't the best I've ever read. I don't think I'll be picking up book two anytime in the near future.

I received "Be Still My Soul" as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. My comments and opinions are my own.



Although I didn't enjoy this book...I know others that have! You may enjoy it as well. You can read the first chapter of the book here

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