Ever read a book by a new author you just KNEW was going to become an instant fave? That was me, summer 2012, reading Joanne Bischof‘s debut novel, Be Still My Soul. I read it in a day and instantly started moaning about the wait until her second book, Though My Heart is Torn…which, once I read it earlier this year, ripped my heart out in a good way.
And when her third book, My Hope is Found, appeared in my mailbox a couple months ago, I dropped everything to read it. Seriously, I really just can’t tell you how much I adore this series! And then I got the fun of meeting Joanne last month at the ACFW Conference.
All this to say, I’m a huge Joanne Bischof fan and I couldn’t be happier that she’s back on the blog today, this time via video! Joanne and I did a Google Hangout last week and chatted about her book, writing, folk music, traveling and more. Be sure to check out the interview, then read below to find out how you can be entered to win a copy of Joanne’s latest book.
For fun, answer the same question Joanne did: If you could spend a day with any character from any book or movie, what character would you choose?
Everyone who leaves a comment is eligible to win a copy of Joanne’s latest book, My Hope is Found. You’ve got until next Tuesday at 5 p.m. CST to enter.
And be sure to check out My Hope is Found. Here’s the premise: 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.
Comments 84
This was a very fun interview! Joanne, It was nice to get to “meet” you a little bit over video. I LOVED your books! I have left Melissa voicemails thanking her for introducing me to your books b/c I loved them so much 🙂
Author
I’m so glad you liked the books, Laura. And that I could play a role in getting you hooked!
Thanks Laura! I’m so glad you loved the books 🙂 Melissa shared that story with me! So fun! I’m so so glad to get to meet you too!!
Yay! What a fun video…but it made me miss you both terribly. LOL.
Um…hard question. I’d probably say Lizzie Bennett from Pride & Prejudice, which is MY favorite book/movie. 😛 She’s so intelligent and plus I’d get to hang out at Pemberly. That would rock. Haha.
I have the book so no need to enter me in the giveaway.
Author
Miss you too, Linz.
As I read your comment, I thought to myself, “Actually, how hilarious would it be to hang out with Mr. Collins for a day??” Especially the Mr. Collins from the Kiera Knightly version…his pathetic-ness would make for a highly amusing day.
haha! Mr. Collins…. that SO made me laugh out loud.
He’s even more hilarious in the 6-hour version!!! Cracks. Me. Up.
aw, that’s so sweet, Lindsay 🙂 It’s been so great to meet both of you!
Love this interview, Melissa. It was great to “meet” Joanne. Love the sound of this series. Must check it out.
Author
They’re definitely must-reads, Pat. 🙂
Great to meet you too, Patricia. If you get the chance to read them, I so hope you enjoy the series!
Joanne’s books are on my TBR list, but I have this thing about series books… I prefer to wait until the series is complete instead of having to wait between release dates. I still have to endure the delay, but I don’t have the agony of stewing until the follow up book is released.
I can’t decide which character I would choose to spend the day with. So many popped right into my head… it must be Willow from Chautona Havig’s Past Forward serial, but then again it has to be Ela from R.J. Larson’s Books of the Infinite. I could go on and on. I am blessed to have found such excellent authors who craft lovable, believable, relate-able characters!
Author
Yeah, waiting between books is SO hard…it was especially so with Joanne’s. But now that all three are out, you should be good to go.
Ooh, I don’t think I’ve read either of the books you mentioned. Going to have to check them out.
I agree. It really is hard to wait for those books. One of the reasons I am SO happy that they’re all out now. It feels great and I know it’s been nice for readers to have them all together. Isn’t it fun when we can’t choose one single character? Hooray for great books out there. 🙂
Want so much to read this book.
Author
It’s a good one, for sure.
Thanks Bonnie!
What a great interview! My choice has always been Anne, of Anne of Green Gables. I think I got a little of her, though, in my own red headed daughter!
Author
Aww, good choice. I like Anne. Although, how much fun would it be to get to hang out with Gilbert. Or Marilla! Or sweet Matthew! OR even Rachel Lynde. So many good people…yeah, if I DID get to hang out with Anne, I would basically insist that we go see every single person in Avonlea.
Oh I wish I had thought of Anne! She would be such a fun one. 🙂
Love this interview–especially when you asked Joanne how she manages her time. I get that questions a lot. Like, a lot, a lot. I really appreciated Joanne’s answer. It’s hard to explain to people, but God has a way of multiplying our time and efforts. He’s called us to writing in this season, and He’ll be faithful to complete what He’s begun. It isn’t always easy, but He makes a way.
To answer your question, I’d have to go with the little known character, Betsy Ray. She’s from Maud Hart Lovelace’s books, Betsy-Tacy. I know I’ve talked a lot about this series, but seriously, it’s my all-time favorite. Betsy (a.k.a. Maud Hart Lovelace) grew up in Minnesota at the turn of the 20th Century and she loved Minnesota ALMOST as much as me. 🙂 We actually share the same birthday too! I would have loved to spend a day with her.
Please don’t enter me for the book. I have it and devoured it already!!
Author
Yep…the time thing. All of us who are writers have our different time obstacles…but yes, I really believe God doesn’t call us to something and then just leave us hanging, to figure out how to manage it all on our own.
Yes, you’ve talked about Maud Hart Lovelace several times that I remember. I really need to check her out. 🙂
Gabrielle,
I’m so glad that bit spoke to you. As a mom of two young twins, I can just imagine how busy life can be. Finding that writing time is often tough, but so worth it–and even more worth it when we don’t have to miss those special moments with the kids, huh? 🙂 Oh my goodness! I remember reading Betsy Tacy when I was little! Those are so great!
My favorite was always Anne of Green Gables. This was my first ever series and read in hardcover from the public library when I was very young and lived in Montreal. Loved this character and the setting.
Author
Another Anne lover. 🙂
Another Anne of Green Gables fan. I love it! It’s one of our favorite movies… and oh yes, that GORGEOUS setting!
I would like to spend the day with Ella from “Ella Enchanted”, can’t wait to read this book by Joanne.
Author
I can’t remember if I’ve ever seen Ella Enchanted. That’s a movie right? Is it based on a book?
oh, fun one, Camille! And thanks so much. I do hope you enjoy it! 🙂
What a fun interview! I’ve heard great things about Joanne’s books; It would be a blessing to win one.
I’ve always loved the Anne of Green Gables series, and visiting Prince Edward Island is on my bucket list. So I’d say visiting with Anne and Gilbert while I’m staying on PEI. 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win Joanne’s book, and for the fun and friendly interview!
Kerry
Author
Awww, I want to go to P.E. Island too!!
Kerry,
That’s always so great to hear. I love how many would pick Anne. I would love to join you!
I was gonna say one of my main characters would be Ann with e also. Her character stands out. One of my favorites.
Loved the video. Great interview,
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Author
Yay, I love that so many people are mentioning Anne of Green Gables.
Hi Diana,
Great seeing you here and great choice!
Such a fun interview! You both are such adorable women – it makes me smile. 🙂
I wouldn’t even know where to start with this question. Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Prejudice are both great ones I would love to be in for a day. I can’t pick! Of course if I spent more time thinking I’m sure I would come up with many more options to choose from. lol
Author
Thanks, Susan! Yeah, there could be so many fun options for hanging out with book/movie characters. 🙂
Well thanks, Susan 🙂 That’s so sweet. Those are good ones… Anything Jane Austen would be quite an experience, wouldn’t it!?
Gideon! We would have a hoedown!! I love the porch singing opening Book 1 and would request this song from Lonnie, for sure ~ maybe it would be her song instead of trying to sing in place of her mom
♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ •♥•.¸¸.•♥•.¸
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U60cpy1yHOY&feature=related Laurie Lewis – Is the Blue Moon Still Shining?
♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ •♥•.¸¸.•♥•.¸
I loved your interview! How awesome; I am still smiling. I thoroughly enjoyed you two. I would go to Ireland since I am a half-Irish Kathleen ~ however, I always wanted to go to Switzerland, possibly because of Heidi?
Thanks so much for this fun time, and hope I win a final copy of Book 3!
Author
Ohhh reading your comment made me want to go back and re-read the first book in Joanne’s series. So good!!
So happy to have won!!! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Aw, yay! I love that you’d go hang out with Gideon. He’s a fun fella. 😉 And that means a lot that you enjoyed that opening scene so. Oh, wow, it feels like a long time ago, but I realize it really isn’t. Great to see you here, Kathleen!
I won a final copy of My Hope is Found!!! YaY!!!
Thank you for writing this series, Joanne; they are friends of mine!
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Sounds wonderful. I would love to read it. Than,s for posting about it and hosting the giveaway!
Author
You’re welcome. 🙂
Thanks, Kate! So glad you are entered. 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful book! Can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the interview and fun giveaway.
Author
Yep, it’s definitely a wonderful book. 🙂
Thanks to both of you, Sarah and Melissa!
Great interview! I’ve had “Be Still My Soul” on my to-read list for quite a while now, and now I want to read the whole series.
It would be hard to pick just one character…from a book, I’d probably choose either Hermione (assuming I got to spend the day with her in the wizarding world) or Elizabeth Bennet. From a film, I’d pick Penelope (from the film of that same name, which is one of my favorites). And if TV was an option, the Doctor from Doctor Who, no question. A day in the TARDIS traveling through time and space? Yes, please. =)
Author
Oh yes, I can’t tell you HOW much I recommend the whole series.
I’ve never seen Penelope…I’ll have to check it out. And here’s a confession on Doctor Who–I tried to watch a couple episodes, couldn’t get into it. But people have assured me I need to stick with it past the first few episodes or even the first couple season. So I should probably give it another chance because I know sooo many people who love it.
That makes me think of this pin: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/212724782372665930/ . Honestly, when I watched the first few episodes, I kept thinking, “Wow…this is the weirdest thing I have ever seen.” But after about four or five episodes, I was completely hooked. It is a strange, kooky show, but in the best way possible. I’m not a sci-fi person at all, but Doctor Who is different. The special effects can be cheesy at times, but the characters are amazing, the stories are great, and the humor is so quirky. And some of the episodes are completely heartbreaking. Also, if you’re a BBC fan in general, you will see so many familiar faces in DW episodes that it’s ridiculous.
Sorry…I just feel the need to convert everyone into a Doctor Who fan. =)
Author
Haha, I’m cool with you playing Doctor Who missionary. 🙂 I really should give it another go. I adore BBC shows, so you’d think I’d eventually get into DW. I’ll give it another try!
So great to hear, Kristin! I do hope you enjoy it!!
Oh, fun choices! I JUST watched Penelope and it reminded me how cute it was. Such a sweet movie.
I love this series!! I have been waiting so patiently for this book to be released. Now, I can’t wait to get a copy. How great it would be to WIN a copy!! Thank you for the opportunity.
Thanks, Betty! I’m so glad your wait is over. 😀 Happy reading and thank you for your sweet words!
Besides the characters is Joanne’s series, I would like to meet Corrie ten Boom, and one day I will! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this new book.
Thanks for the smile, Phyllis. Oh I couldn’t agree more with Corrie ten Boom. I sat beside a woman recently at my writer’s group and she was talking about a card she had from Corrie and I couldn’t believe it. She’d met and knew here and I was astounded. Such an incredible woman.
I’ve read BE STILL MY SOUL and I loved it. I enjoyed the video and the review. I would love to add this book to my collection. Thanks
So great to hear, Gayle! I so hope you’ll be able to read the others. I’m glad you are here!
Hi, Joanne, & Melissa!
Absolutely LOVED the video interview!
Loved your comment about God multiplying your time, Joanne! God also takes away pain, while one is ministering for Him – God took away pain I was having (later found out I had gall bladder problems, & cancer), several times, when I was preparing to go onstage for the performance of a musical drama on the life of Christ. It would go away, just before I went onstage, & return after the performance was over (until I had surgery, at which time – it ceased permanently). A well-known Christian author, & speaker, told me the same thing happens to her, when she is onstage.
Thrilled that your husband is now a Christian, Joanne! I – would also love to visit Scotland, as I have Scottish ancestry.
TOO hard to pick just one book character, to spend a day with, Melissa – but, would have to be a character from the pen of Liz Curtis Higgs, Julie Lessman, or Joanne Bischof!
Love your books, Joanne – thanks, for the opportunity to win a copy of My Hope Is Found!
Hi Bonnie,
Oh isn’t God good? He really does work through those impossible situations if we wait on Him. And re: my husband. Thank you! It makes me so happy. He is such a good dad and hubby… we are so blessed.
You’re so sweet to throw my characters in the mix. I completely agree! A character from one of Liz’s or Julie’s books would be neat indeed.
Hi Melissa, the video interview was great! I have to say that you and Joanne both are very gifted writers and the enjoyment you bring to readers is fantastic. Thank you so much for what you both do and for the giveaway. I would love to spend the day with Rhett Butler from GONE WITH THE WIND. His strength and stubbornness, such a force, and yet, his ability to love so deeply and wholeheartedly…..yes, I think he would be great company for the day.
Melanie,
Thanks for visiting with Melissa and I today. You all have made this doubly fun! Oh, wow… what a great choice. That would be an adventure to fall into! I love the picture you’ve painted. 🙂
Author
Thanks bunches for the kind words, Melanie. 🙂
Oh Rhett…good choice.
It’s rather hard to choose who from a book or movie I’d like to spend a day with since I read so much, but I’ll go with Nate and Susanna from ONCE UPON A PRINCE by Rachel Hauck. It’s such a delightful love story and they are very likeable characters.
Thanks for this chance to win a copy of MY HOPE IS FOUND. I want to have all the books so I can read this delightful series I’ve been reading so much about.
So nice to see you here on Melissa’s blog, Pam. I have not read Rachel’s book, but I really want to get it. I’ve heard good things!
Hi, Joanne! and Melissa! so great to see you all here…
I don’t know about you all, but the trilogy of Cadence of Grace is my new Christmas go-to gift. Each book sings a beautiful song, but together, they are like a beautiful blue-grass mandolin melody. Joanne, you have such a gift with your stories. Thank you for sharing them with the world.
Personally? And no spoilers from this fan, but I would be VERY curious to spend some time as a fly on the wall, watching what happens to a certain character I fell for in book three. *ahem* cough *Toby* cough.
Great to see you here, and that video interview is AWESOME. So great to see both of you! Thank you, Melissa!!! Made to Last is next on my TBR pile!
~Ashley
Hi friend! *waving*
You are so dear and so thoughtful in giving the books as Christmas gifts. I’m so blessed by you and so excited to be along for your own journey! Love, love, loved your story! It’s got me itching for more 🙂
Oh yes… Toby. How I would be so happy to write more on him! <3
Author
Haha you’re “ahem cough Toby cough” made me laugh, Ashley. I loved the guy too! But then, I tend to love anyone with a Scottish accent.
Love the books. I put my life and others in danger driving in the dark and rain to go pick it up! 🙂 Now comfy pj’s, tea and the Book! Blessing to you!
oh my goodness, Shirley, this gave me such a laugh! Glad you are all safe and sound and thanks for reading the books. Hugs!
Author
LOL I need to hear this driving in the dark and rain story!
OH, I so have to have this book… I don’t want to be left hanging not having any of them to keep going… Joanne , I just loved what I have read of Be Still My Soul !
Blessings
Linda Finn
Linda,
You are such a dear and thank you!
I loved the first two books in this series and can’t wait to read the new one!
So great to hear, Ola! I do hope you enjoy My Hope is Found!
Great job, Melissa and Joanne. It really is much more fun for readers (well viewers) to watch an interview. I imagine it’s a lot more work preparing, editing, etc.
Congratulations Joanne on your series. It’s sensational how quickly readers (including Melissa) have fallen in love with your stories to become raving fans.
Melissa, you know I’ve just finished Jim Rubart’s first 2 novels in his Well Spring series. It would be really cool to play Brandon Scott. He’s a rock’n’roll star (my answer to the question, “if you could have any career what would it be?”) and Jim has him doing some pretty amazing things in the supernatural, fights demons, chats to angels and helps heal people’s souls. Plus he has a complicated does she/doesn’t she friendship (?) with the love of his life. Life really couldn’t be much better I reckon. (He probably has great hair too! Ha)
Blessings to you both…
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Ian. And thank you so much!
Author
Ian, I’m glad you like the video format! I know sometimes it’s harder for people to find the time to watch a video, but when you can, it’s so fun.
Ahhh, I love that you mentioned Jim Rubart’s books. He’s a writer I look up to so much…love his writing! And the “complicated does she/doesn’t she friendship”…so good. And I totally LOLed at your “he probably has great hair too.” 🙂
Just wonderful thank you.
I’d love to spend some time with Jo March from LITTLE WOMEN. She was ahead of her time.
Um, how does one answer this question!? 😉 That’s impossible… I mean, can’t I pick ALL of my favorite TV, movie or book characters…
There’s Austen/Dickens characters, Doctor Who, Once Upon a Time characters, Narnia characters, various fiction friends (books), and oh-so many more!
Nice to see Joanne over here – I’ve heard fabulous things about her novels. 🙂
I would love to spend a day with Angela Lansbury or Laura Ingels Wilder(the real Laura.)
I did spend some time with John Wayne when he was making a movie. Didn’t get to visit long tho, but what a thrill. It sure was fun having the video of the two of you. Next best thing to meeting in person.Wish the Chat Parties could be on live video. That’s how I met Dani Petrie. Please put my name in for a chance to win this book of Joannes. Would be a thrill to have her book. Thanks to the both of you. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
There are so many I’d like to meet, but I think the top 2 would be Laura Ingalls Wilder (the real one, not Melissa Gilbert, although I’m sure she’s perfectly lovely) or Anne Shirley from the Anne of Green Gables series. snowflakes2hotcakes (at) gmail (dot) com