When I sat down to write a story about a courageous young man in the Victorian-era circus and the lives that are touched by his own, I had absolutely no idea that it would grow into what is my most favorite story ever. EVER. It became a dash of Les Misérables and a hearty sprinkling of Beauty and the Beast, all mixed within a most magical setting that’s meant to illustrate the freedom that comes from Christ’s love and sacrifice for us.

This is the novel of my heart, friends, and the most romantic romance I’ve spun to date (just you wait! 🙂 ) I hope it will reach a very special place in your heart and today it’s an absolute joy to share with you the cover for The Lady and the Lionheart.

The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof
m

And it’s on Amazon for $4.99 Kindle pre-order!

Paperback & deal-priced Nook coming soon

flourish

Virginia, 1890

Raised 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 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.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Just then a child in the row behind Ella cried out, “Look, Mama!”

Charlie, dressed in his center ring finery, strode into the arena, as strong and strapping as ever. Face powdered and painted with two jagged teardrops under his eyes, he walked with stoic authority, tall boots forging a fresh trail straight toward his audience. Ella didn’t know a single man could hush a packed house with no words, but…then there was Charlie Lionheart.