Joanne Bischof DeWitt: Spotlight on The Heart of Bennet Hollow
I hope you enjoy Joanne Bischof DeWitt’s spotlight on her new release, The Heart of Bennet Hollow. Be sure to comment below by September 30 for a chance to win a copy! (US winner’s choice of paperback or ebook; International winner will receive an ebook)
Walking a Mile in Jane Austen’s Shoes
When we think of Jane and her iconic stories, we might think of beloved characters such as Mr. Darcy or Emma Woodhouse. We might recall favorite scenes like the dance at Netherfield or the moment the Dashwood sisters first enter their small cottage after having to leave their lifelong home behind. So, when I set out to write my first Jane Austen adaption, The Heart of Bennet Hollow (a Pride and Prejudice retelling), for Tyndale House Publishers, I knew that I wanted to capture these iconic moments in the best of ways. Most of all, to honor Jane Austen’s legacy, and the beautiful stories she gifted us.
In writing this adaption, I quickly realized that I had the honor of walking a mile in Jane’s shoes. That I was going to get to look through the lens of her characters from a profound perspective—no longer on the outside looking in, but their inner thoughts, goals, dreams and even fears. The best place to begin was with a copy of Pride and Prejudice in my lap. Armed with this iconic story and a trusty highlighter, I set out to discover themes and moments that are not only crucial to this love story but that would emphasize the experiences that Jane was trying to share with us all.
This began a quest of recreating my favorite scenes and moments from the novel, with characters from a different time—1900’s Appalachia. The fictitious town of New River, Virginia to be exact. Here, coal dust billows from the mine, Ma Bennet bakes fresh bread at a cast iron stove and the Bennet sisters walk barefoot in the woodlands and meadows of their mountains.
This retelling was a joy to write and I hope for readers, it’s a joy to read. Most of all, it was an absolute honor to get to walk a mile in Jane Austen’s shoes. For the first time, I got to go barefoot not only through the country lanes of my mind and own story setting, but through her personal world. It gave me the chance to share the beautiful themes that Jane put before us. Lessons of family, sisterhood, friendship, wisdom and so much more. I hope that readers enjoy their time spent in Bennet Hollow as much as I did, and that this Appalachian love story will honor Jane’s beautiful creation most of all.
Thank you for your beautiful post, Joanne. I have no doubt you’ve honored Jane well in your retelling. May the Lord bless you abundantly as you continue to write amazing stories for readers to enjoy.
Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and comment on Joanne Bischof DeWitt’s spotlight by 9/30 for a chance to win a copy of her new release! #giveaway #PrideAndPrejudiceRetelling
TweetJoin the conversation. Are you a Pride and Prejudice/Jane Austen fan? Does Joanne’s retelling of this classic pique your interest? Have you read any of Joanne’s other books?
Be sure to comment below by September 30 for a chance to win a copy of Joanne’s new release! (US winner’s choice of paperback or ebook; International winner will receive an ebook)
The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt
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An Appalachian farmer’s daughter and a wealthy businessman find a surprising love but must reckon with what divides them in this retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by the award-winning author of The Lady and the Lionheart.
New River, Virginia. 1904. Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor.
William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters.
Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all.
With over 100,000 copies sold, Christy and Carol Award-winning author Joanne Bischof DeWitt writes heartfelt romance with memorable characters.
She lives in California with her husband and their six teens and young adults, making her a big fan of conversations, laughter and large dinner tables.
Please share Joanne’s spotlight on social media to help spread the word about her new book.
If you missed DiAnn Mills’ Zoom interview last week about her new release, Canyon of Deceit, FIND IT HERE.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
45 Comments
Deena Adams
Congratulations to Demi, the winner of Joanne’s book! Please follow the instructions in your email to claim your prize.
Thanks to all who read Joanne’s post and commented. I hope you’ll engage on more intervivews in the weeks to come!
Demi Griffin
This looks so good. I would love to win a copy.
Deena Adams
Thanks for reading Joanne’s post and entering the giveaway, Demi!
Lynn Moore
Ohhhhhh……I gotta read this one!!!!! 💖
Deena Adams
Absolutely, Lynn!!
Teresa Warner
Thanks for the chance, I think i would enjoy this one!
Deena Adams
You’re welcome, Teresa. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Carolyn Bryant
I read an early copy of this book, and loved it! Thanks for this insight from Joanne concerning the writing of the book.
Deena Adams
It’s a pleasure to share about Christian authors and their work here, Carolyn. Thanks for stopping by and joining the convesation!
Katy Nelson
She is one of my favorite authors! I loved the Sons of Blackbird Mountain and recommend her all the time! Thank you for considering me!
Deena Adams
I loved Sons of Blackbird Mountain, too, Katy, but I think The Lady and the Lionheart is my favorite! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Danielle Hull
I still haven’t read any books by Joanne, even though I own a couple! This one is definitely on my TBR. I love spin-offs and nods to Jane Austen novels!
Deena Adams
You need to move Joanne’s books to the top of your TBR pile, Danielle! The Lady and the Lionheart is probably the best book I’ve ever read.
Kelly V.
This definitely piques my interest. I love retellings of all kinds.
Deena Adams
Thanks for your comment, Kelly. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Janet Lynn Pierce
I found the idea of applying concepts from P and P to another time period very interesting!
Deena Adams
I agree, Janet! Thanks for your comment.
Kelsie
I have been looking forward to this one!
Deena Adams
Awesome, Kelsie! Thanks for your comment. 🙂
Joanne Bischof DeWitt
Deena, Thank you so much for having me on this week! I really enjoyed it and have been blessed to read all these lovely comments!
Deena Adams
The pleasure is all mine, Joanne! I love your books!
Megan Ryan
I love a good P&P retelling! This one sounds intriguing.
Deena Adams
Thanks for stopping by, Megan!
Diana Hardt
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Deena Adams
My pleasure, Diana!
Elly
I am DEFINITELY an Austen fan! I’ve read all of her works and loved them all😍 This book sounds AMAZING and I am sooo looking forward to reading it!
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for your comment, Elly!
Sheika Cone
I love Jane Austen’s noveks, Pride and Prejudice being my favorite. I also just adore Joanne Bischof-DeWitt, so I am very excited to read this retelling!
Deena Adams
I adore Joanne, too, Sheika. Thanks so much for your comment!
Roxanne C.
I enjoy Jane Austen’s classic books, but I usually avoid retelling of said books. However, Joanne Bischof DeWitt’s book sounds amazing, especially set in Appalachia.
Deena Adams
Hi, Roxanne. I can understand your hesitancy to read a retelling, but if anyone can pull it off, Joanne can!
Cheryl Grey Bostrom
I’d love to read this one! Thanks so much for the opportunity!
Deena Adams
Doesn’t it sound wonderful, Cheryl?!
Elizabeth Litton
I love Pride and Prejudice! I remember reading for the first time in high school and thoroughly enjoying the story–much to the consternation of my older sister. ☺️
I’ve read most of Joanne’s other books, so I know this one will be amazing, too!
Deena Adams
I’ve enjoyed Joanne’s previous books, too, Elizabeth. She’s such a fantastic writer!
Alyssa Schwarz
I’m a HUGE Jane Austen fan and an even bigger fan of Joanne’s books! 🙂 So looking forward to reading this one!
Deena Adams
I’m a huge Joanne fan, too, Alyssa! Thanks for your comment. 🙂
Perrianne Askew
I am not a classics reader at all, but her story sounds like something I would definitely enjoy. I am familiar with the author but have yet to read any of her books. I do enjoy other authors’ Appalachian tales, so I think this one would be a good fit. I’d like to hear more about her life with six children. I’ll bet she has some hair raising kid stories to tell!
Deena Adams
I bet she does, too, Perrianne! I highly encourage you to read Joanne’s books. The Lady and the Lionheart may be my all-time favorite book! I also love Sons of Blackbird Mountain. I have no doubt I’ll love this new book, too. Thanks for engaging on Joanne’s post!
Traci
This sounds so wonderful! I made the need to get a copy of Pride and Prejudice before I read this! Looking forward to it!!
Deena Adams
Thanks for your comment, Traci! I know you love Joanne’s books as much as I do. 🙂
Michelle Fink
Thank you for highlighting new authors. I would love to be introduced to Lizbeth and William. 🙂
Deena Adams
Hi, Michelle. If Joanne is a new author to you, I really hope you’ll read her work. She’s an amazing writer! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Vickie
Joanne is a new author to me. The concept of this book (the retelling of such a popular book), as well as the setting and characters sound so good.
Deena Adams
I hope you take the opportunity to read Joanne’s work, Vickie. I think you’ll love her books!