Interview & Giveaway! Joanne Bischof ~ Author of Be Still My Soul!!

Today we have Joanne Bischof with us - the author of Be Still My Soul!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Joanne! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

Thank you for having me! I live in the mountains of Southern California with my husband and three home-schooled children (and four very naughty chickens.) I love writing, reading and anything that has to do with Christian Fiction. I'm always up to something. Whether it involves dirt or glue or flour, my husband finds messes everywhere I go. My children love it and they're always up for an adventure.

What is Be Still My Soul about?

Gideon O’Riley, bluegrass musician and handsome ladies’ man, has set his roving eye on innocent Lonnie Sawyer. He steals a kiss from the shy girl, causing a misunderstanding that lands them in a shotgun marriage. Can his young wife’s patient faith teach him the meaning of love?

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia at the turn of the last century, Be Still My Soul weaves together the threads of yearning, hope, and redemption to form a tale that I hope will touch your heart, stir your senses, and evoke a greater understanding for the majestic God who created every hue and surface of the mountains I hold so dear.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you? 

You probably know that the book releases today—October 2nd. But what readers might not know is that today is ALSO our anniversary. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the release of this historical
romance then with my wonderful husband! We’ve got lots of fun plans for the day and get to top it all off with a romantic dinner .

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I always had my nose in a book and my head in the clouds. Growing up, I was 1 part Jo March, 1 part Beatrix Potter and 1 part Laura Ingalls Wilder. I was always writing, drawing, and living with my imagination in the past. Being a writer was always my normal. I can never remember ever wanting to be anything else. I am SO thankful that God made that dream come true!

How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite? 

Lonnie and Gideon’s story is the first book to be published so I have to say that it’s my favorite!

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Music. Lots of music. I’d love to write when it’s quiet but as a homeschooling mom of 3 little kids, there’s rarely a quiet moment. Music is the key ingredient to transport me from the world of being mommy into
the world that I write about.

Where do you like to write?

I usually end up on the couch with a laptop during naptime or under a shady tree while the kids play. But when there’s not a sleeping baby in my bedroom, I have a cozy writing nook beside my window. It’s a little antique desk and it’s a great little spot to snuggle down with my latest manuscript.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 

When I’m not writing, I love hanging out with my family. My husband is my best friend and our kids are bundles of joy. We often go camping, walking and bike riding. Our whole family of 5 can fit on one bike. Ok, it’s a tandem and we put a few of them in the bike trailer. I bet we look pretty funny peddling around
the neighborhood with the whole crew!

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet? 

I really want to go to Scotland. Right before I got married I went on a trip with my sister-in-law to-be and we toured England, Ireland and Wales. I love those cultures. Even though Be Still My Soul takes place in Virginia, The hero of the story comes from Irish stock. It was my own little way of sneaking it in.

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

For music, I’m almost always listening to worship or folk music. Those are most definitely my favorite. As far as movies go, I love just about any Jane Austen adaption. Right now my favorite is the 2008 BBC version of Sense and Sensibility. It’s a stunning film. Of course Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice are right up there, too!

What is your favorite dessert? 

Definitely chocolate! My grandmother used to have a saying: ACQ. Which meant Administer Chocolate Quickly. My mom and I say it to one another whenever it’s been one of those days.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

My favorite verse is Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.

I held onto this verse during a very difficult time in my life and it’s amazing to look back and see that God has brought beauty from the ashes. I’m so thankful to have God’s love and Word for every step of this journey called life.

Here are a few this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Thunderstorms! We live where it’s ALWAYS sunny, so I absolutely love a gray, cloudy sky. I open the windows, feel the cool breeze and just soak in the sounds of the storm.

Tea or Coffee? Tea. But my husband is in the process of converting me

Kindle or Nook? I have a kindle and it’s great. My mom even crocheted a cute cover for it so I think of her every time I use it.

Early-bird or Night-owl? Night-owl. This is when all my kids are bundled down for the night and I usually fix a cup of tea and get a little writing done.

Cats or Dogs? Cats. When I was little, my mom took me down to pick out my own kitten. They were all so adorable, but I couldn’t help but notice there was a small, orange kitten with no tail. I was so worried that no one else would want her. I think my dad was a little surprised when his daughter showed up that day with a tail-less bundle of orange fur. She was the best cat.

Are you currently working on any new novels?

If so, could you give us a hint? Right now, we’re putting the finishing touches on the second book in the series, Though My Heart is Torn. It’s the second novel in the Cadence of Grace series and I’m so excited about this one!

Thanks so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where
can we find you on the web?

Thank you so much for having me! For anyone who wants to learn more about Be Still My Soul, visit my blog, or sign up for my twice-a-year newsletter, they can drop by my website www.joannebischof.com anytime! I’m also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/joannebischof where I share book news and fun giveaway opportunities. I love connecting with readers there!

Book Giveaway!

Enter to win a copy of Be Still My Soul! Giveaway is open Internationally!

Enter via the Rafflecopter below. The mandatory entry is to leave a comment on this blog post, after you do that, the optional entries will become available! :)

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