Review: Though My Heart is Torn by Joanne Bischof
Gideon O’Riley has two wives—but he doesn’t know it.
Settling into a simple life in the majestic Blue Ridge mountains, Lonnie and Gideon O’Riley have finally found happiness after the rocky start to their marriage. The roguish bluegrass musician has fallen in love with his gentle wife and the God she serves, and Lonnie rests secure in his tenderness for her and their young son. A heartless ruse interupts their peace, bringing them back to Rocky Knob—and forces them to face the claims of Cassie Allan, a woman who says she is Gideon’s rightful wife.
As Gideon wades into the depths of his past choices, Lonnie is stunned by the revelations. She has no choice but to navigate this new path, knowing that surviving the devastating blow will take every ounce of strength she has.
While Gideon’s guilt and his bitterness towards Cassie threatens to burn up his fledgling faith, Lonnie wrestles to find the courage to trust the God who brought them together in the first place. Will their hard-earned love be able to conquer all?
Lonnie only wanted her husband’s love. Now that he belongs to another, can she surrender Gideon to a God with a bigger plan?
When I read Be Still My Soul, I didn’t get quite what I expected. Nothing bad, just not what I thought I was in for. But I enjoyed it and jumped at the chance to review Though My Heart is Torn and see what Gideon and Lonnie are up to! [Plus, I end up singing the title every time – I will praise you in this stooooooorm – which is one of my ringtones for a few select friends ;)].
After everything Lonnie and Gideon went through to sort out their relationship in book 1, I hated they would go through such trials in book 2. And I have to admit, after reading the whole thing, I’m a bit torn too. Fingers are itching to get on book 3 and find out how it all turns out.
Gideon honestly believed his first marriage had been dissolved, but when the truth comes to light that it hadn’t. things get difficult. Lonnie and their son are alone. She prays to be pregnant again, for one more piece of Gideon to hold on to. And she has a new suitor after she returns to their home with the farmer and his wife from book 1.
Gideon has to deal with his new-old wife, with a relationship he doesn’t want and thought was long over, and with missing both Lonnie and their son.
How can it all be reconciled?
Ah. A question for book 3. Coming soon ;).
Overall rating: 8.5 out of 10