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.
And it’s on Amazon for $4.99 Kindle pre-order!
Paperback & deal-priced Nook coming soon
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.
I love the cover!!! It matches the story so well, great job!! Can’t wait to get my hands on the book!
Thank you, Renee! I’m so glad you think so! I so hope this story brings you joy!
Perfect, absolutely perfect, Joanne!! Like this so much because of being outside of the tent ~ not knowing what is inside. Demure with the tophat in hand! Love, Love, Love
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Kathleen – It’s always such a delight to hear your thoughts on a story or a cover. You have such a beautiful way of seeing things. Thank you for sharing! I’m so excited for you to meet Charlie and Ella and learn the secret behind that hat.
Absolutely gorgeous cover! So excited to read this one!
Thrilled that you like it, Andi! I hope you enjoy the story just as much!!
Oh Joanne!
I honestly don’t think that cover could be anymore beautiful or fitting! The look on Ella’s face…the circus tent (*wink wink*) in the background…and that whimsical lighting! ❤️ I’m so incredibly blessed to be able to help a bit in bringing this story to life! ❤️ I know it will impact so many lives!!!!
Hehe.. I have no idea how you got hearts on here but I think these are the first blog emojis I’ve ever seen here. 🙂 I was sitting around this morning thinking…. Kara is asleep and when she wakes up, I’m TOTALLY going to know. Thanks for sharing in the cover love and for letting Ella rock your Victorian boots! And thanks for being such a special part of this story and helping it get ready for readers <3 <3
so beautiful!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait to add this book to my “summer beach bag giveaway!” 🙂
Perhaps you can come down the mountain for a book signing in Temecula? Well done, Joanne. This book is lovely.
~Ashley
I would LOVE to if I get to do a book signing with YOU! ANYTIME. I’m so glad you like the cover and your encouragement infused so much hope into the last few years for me. Thank you my friend.
So lovely!
I had to share it everywhere. <3
Amanda – BLESSED by all those shares. Thank you, dearly! I kept thinking of you as this was in the making (and taking forever 😀 ) Thanks for being a bright spot in it all!
Lovely cover, Joanne! Are you the designer or someone else? It fits the story so well. I’m looking forward to reading this story!
I’m so glad you like it, Carrie! And thanks! I AM the designer :). It was a group effort with a most enthusiastic model and an amazing photographer. I couldn’t be more pleased and I so hope that this story blesses you!
Joanne, This cover is gorgeous. It really gives wonderful heart clues to the story. So excited to read it!
Sandy, Oh how I love that “heart clues”! That was my hope so I’m so glad they shone through. <3 Excited to send this to you!!
I Love the cover! I Can’t wait to get this book!
Brenda, thank you for your sweet words about the cover!! I hope you love the story just as much!
I can’t wait to read this, Joanne. The cover is beautiful, and the story sounds beautiful. Thank you.
Hi Shelli! Thank you so much and thanks for visiting! 🙂
Oh my goodness ahhhhh it’s so perfect. SO excited to read this one.
//hannah
hannahrodriguezwriter.wordpress.com
Thanks so much Hannah! I’m so excited that you like it!
Thank you for visiting my place Burlap Luxe home blog.
It is wonderful to have met you through a return visit to your blog.
The cover of your new book intrigues and draws you in, the circus tent back drop, her in vintage era attire and holding the black top hat immediately feels like a love story going somewhere in the story.
I read a comment where one said if you would come down off that mountain to do a book signing? Ones often say the same to me for other reasons, I live on the high desert of Southern Ca. Are you somewhere close by?
Will be following you and looking into a good read here.
Xx
Doré
Hello Dore! Thanks for the visit. 🙂 Greetings from one Southern CA girl to another! We are in the mountains of Idyllwild. Sounds like you may not be to far off from here.
It’s so wonderful to read your thoughts on the cover and I’m truly glad you like it! If you read the story I hope it’s a blessing to you.
I am very particular about historical romances, and my struggle to find an enjoyable one means I rarely pick them up….but your synopsis intrigued me and when I suddenly realized “Oh, its August, I can read and unravel the mystery now!”….I devoured the book in one day. It was very, very beautiful, thank you.
Hannah – that is such grand news! THANK YOU! It’s delightful to hear that the synopsis intrigued you and then to hear that the book was so quickly devoured…well I’m just all smiles here. Thanks so much for stopping in and sharing!