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Something New
Virginia, 1895
After waiting four years for her best friend to return from sea, Wren Cromwell's dream of building a life with Tate Kennedy has wilted during his unexpected absence. Then, just as suddenly as he departed the mountain of their childhood, he returns, bringing with him tales of Norway's icy fjords and his time aboard ship on the North Sea. As spring unfurls around them, so unfolds a new hope in Wren's heart, and a new chance at love on the horizon. But with Tate's longing for exciting voyages still alive, will he vanish to the high seas again, or will this land he's returned to, and Wren's steadfast love, be enough to nurture his adventurous spirit?
From Christy and Carol Award-winning author, Joanne Bischof, comes a newly repackaged novella once featured in the historical compilation, Heirloom Brides.
After waiting four years for her best friend to return from sea, Wren Cromwell's dream of building a life with Tate Kennedy has wilted during his unexpected absence. Then, just as suddenly as he departed the mountain of their childhood, he returns, bringing with him tales of Norway's icy fjords and his time aboard ship on the North Sea. As spring unfurls around them, so unfolds a new hope in Wren's heart, and a new chance at love on the horizon. But with Tate's longing for exciting voyages still alive, will he vanish to the high seas again, or will this land he's returned to, and Wren's steadfast love, be enough to nurture his adventurous spirit?
From Christy and Carol Award-winning author, Joanne Bischof, comes a newly repackaged novella once featured in the historical compilation, Heirloom Brides.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2019
About the author
Joanne Bischof
23 books1,236 followersAn ECPA Christy Award winner and an ACFW Carol Award winner, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. Joanne’s 2016 novel, THE LADY AND THE LIONHEART, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from Romantic Times Book Reviews among other critical acclaim. Joanne has a long-standing passion for romance and a budding fervor for theology. She is more and more awed by how wondrously the two go hand in hand. She lives in the mountains of southern California with her three children and is represented by Sandra Bishop of Transatlantic Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 24, 2019
Something New was a beautiful and gentle story of love renewed. These two characters, Tate and Wren, never stopped loving each other, yet they were separated for four years. Wren carried a lot of sadness from Tate’s abrupt departure years earlier and it was so sweet to watch as Tate worked to show Wren exactly how much he cared for her.
This novella can stand alone, however, readers who enjoyed Daughters of Northern Shores will recognize Haakon and Tate’s friendship in the prologue, which loosely connects these stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
*Updated review for audio - I wholeheartedly enjoyed listening to Something New, written by Joanne Bischof. I had already read this second chance love story before, and knew that I loved it, but I was so pleased to listen to such a beautiful reading of the book in the audio version! The narrator did a very nice job and her voice was a good match to the gentle setting of the story. If you are a fan of audio books and historical fiction, this is one I would recommend you picking up. *
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
This novella can stand alone, however, readers who enjoyed Daughters of Northern Shores will recognize Haakon and Tate’s friendship in the prologue, which loosely connects these stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
*Updated review for audio - I wholeheartedly enjoyed listening to Something New, written by Joanne Bischof. I had already read this second chance love story before, and knew that I loved it, but I was so pleased to listen to such a beautiful reading of the book in the audio version! The narrator did a very nice job and her voice was a good match to the gentle setting of the story. If you are a fan of audio books and historical fiction, this is one I would recommend you picking up. *
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
September 14, 2019
So Sweet
How very, very sweet and gentle. I loved this tender story of reconnecting love and I loved Tate. He has to be the sweetest man ever. His devotion was demonstrated in his every thought and action. 💙
How very, very sweet and gentle. I loved this tender story of reconnecting love and I loved Tate. He has to be the sweetest man ever. His devotion was demonstrated in his every thought and action. 💙
November 28, 2019
Aww, the sweetness. RTC
September 20, 2019
I’m pretty sure I will never not love something Joanne Bischof writes. :) I loved this sweet story!
September 23, 2019
A sweet little story and enjoyable to listen to by audio while I battled a cold :)
May 16, 2023
Once again, I have no words to describe my love for Joanne Bischof's work... I need to reread the story and gather my thoughts. Perhaps then I'll be able to string together words that make sense...
September 10, 2019
Uplifting story! Takes us back to the Virginia mountains with a hint of Blackbird mountain to it! I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story and its unique characters. Great author with touching, heartfelt stories to tell!
September 14, 2019
‘He’d eat boiled potatoes a lifetime over if he could just sit across the table from Wren Cromwell.’
I adore the writing of Joanne Bischof. Her books are so heartfelt and incredibly precious. They dig down deep in your heart and stay there, warming you long after the last word you read. I highly recommend her. This one is so sweet. I loved Wren and Tate and both their hearts. Bischof's books are incredibly endearing to me.
I adore the writing of Joanne Bischof. Her books are so heartfelt and incredibly precious. They dig down deep in your heart and stay there, warming you long after the last word you read. I highly recommend her. This one is so sweet. I loved Wren and Tate and both their hearts. Bischof's books are incredibly endearing to me.
September 15, 2019
"I think Wren had to convince herself that your bond couldn't last forever."
Sometimes the lost is simply found; on other occasions, what returns is better than what was removed. But in the interim, trust can be broken. Understandably, Wren Cromwell's belief in Tate Kennedy's childhood promises had not only waned, it had nearly expired. Four years had passed; four long years at sea for Tate, and four long years at home for Wren; without a word.
Beautifully penned, this heartfelt story of "something new" will bring tears to your eyes and warmth to your spirit, for starting over is an adventure that Wren hesitates to accept.
"I never wrote you any letters, but I was writing you in my heart."
Sometimes the lost is simply found; on other occasions, what returns is better than what was removed. But in the interim, trust can be broken. Understandably, Wren Cromwell's belief in Tate Kennedy's childhood promises had not only waned, it had nearly expired. Four years had passed; four long years at sea for Tate, and four long years at home for Wren; without a word.
Beautifully penned, this heartfelt story of "something new" will bring tears to your eyes and warmth to your spirit, for starting over is an adventure that Wren hesitates to accept.
"I never wrote you any letters, but I was writing you in my heart."
February 19, 2024
Other than one scene of sensuality that was uncomfortable and awkward, I really enjoyed this story. It was charming and held prose that drew me in and kept me captive. This author truly knows how to sweep a reader into her storyworld.
Content: sensuality, alcohol, tobacco, mythology, replacement expletive
Content: sensuality, alcohol, tobacco, mythology, replacement expletive
October 28, 2019
I loved this sweet novella! Of course I always love Joanne Bischof's books. They are always filled with beautiful writing and deep themes. Ever since reading Daughters of Northern Shores I wanted to read more about Tate and what happened after he parted ways with Haakon. Needless to say I was very excited Joanne Bischof decided to write more about him and Wren! I already really liked Tate from what I saw of him in DoNS, but reading his book and learning more about him made me love him even more and Wren too! She was so spunky and sweet! Normally novellas aren't my thing, but I thought that Something New was well done. I love stories of best friends falling in love and this one told that story so well! It definitely helped that the main couple already knew each other and feelings of love had already been established. Nothing felt rushed. I also loved the historical setting! Virginia is my state and I really enjoyed reading a book that offered a glimpse into our history.
My one problem with this book was that I wish there had been more about God and the characters' relationships with Him. It was mentioned and eluded to that a couple of them had a relationship with God, but I wanted to see their faith in action.
It seemed like there could have been a bit of a set up for a book about Tate's younger brother Timothy and I'm hoping that is the case! Would love to see more of him as well as Tate and Wren again.
My one problem with this book was that I wish there had been more about God and the characters' relationships with Him. It was mentioned and eluded to that a couple of them had a relationship with God, but I wanted to see their faith in action.
It seemed like there could have been a bit of a set up for a book about Tate's younger brother Timothy and I'm hoping that is the case! Would love to see more of him as well as Tate and Wren again.
September 7, 2019
I loved the new edition of this sweet, heart-touching novella! A story of young love, tested by time and distance. When Tate suddenly appears behind Wren, after four years at sea, the reconciliation is a bit more difficult than he expected. Wren is afraid of what will happen to her heart if he leaves again. He needs to earn her trust.
Tate isn't quite sure how to tell her his plans, he regrets he didn't mention them sooner.
I had happy tears in my eyes again as Tate showed Wren the surprise.
I first read this sweet story in my Kindle copy of The Heirloom Brides Collection in 2016. I thank the publisher for a copy of the new updated version. A review was not required. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.
Tate isn't quite sure how to tell her his plans, he regrets he didn't mention them sooner.
I had happy tears in my eyes again as Tate showed Wren the surprise.
I first read this sweet story in my Kindle copy of The Heirloom Brides Collection in 2016. I thank the publisher for a copy of the new updated version. A review was not required. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.
September 26, 2019
A beautiful novella! Joanne Bischof's poetic prose-like style shines (once again!) in this short little story. Romantic in its simplicity, this story of Wren and Tate carries a bountiful message of hope, dreams longed for and realized, and the power of trust and restoration. I listened to the audio presentation of this story, and it was perfection! The Appalachian accents, the sweet moments of the story, all delivered with emotion and tenderness by the narrator, Jelyne Helms.
Many thanks to the author for the audiobook access. This is my honest review.
Many thanks to the author for the audiobook access. This is my honest review.
December 26, 2019
This is an enjoyable novella about two childhood friends, Wren and Tate, who are reunited after Tate sails away to find his fortune. Coming back after 4 years, he finds Wren grown up and skeptical about his motives. She also finds him suffering from a bad infection after getting cut by a fish hook. As Wren and her mom help him heal, Tate finds himself trying to prove to Wren that he’s ready to settle down, with her. A clean romance for teens and above.
October 24, 2019
After getting to meet Tate in Daughters of Northern Shores and admiring his strong character, I was eager to read his story. This novella was a sweet story about young love reunited and the ways we things we do for the people who mean the most to us. It soothed my soul and reminded me how much I love Joanne Bischof and this series. My only complaint is that it ended too soon!
September 5, 2019
Precious and sweet
Something New is sweet novella about a young man who went on an adventure for a young girl who held his heart. And came home to claim hers.
Something New is sweet novella about a young man who went on an adventure for a young girl who held his heart. And came home to claim hers.
February 5, 2020
Lovely, tender little story. Looking forward to reading the Blackbird Mountain series next.
September 26, 2019
Another wonderful novella by Joanne Bischof
Something New follows in the grand tradition of all books by Joanne Bischof. You will feel the rolling of the ship in the storm; smell the wildflowers in the garden, ache with the labor of felling trees. And you will be drawn into a story full of longing and hope, written in a language which is rich and compelling.
I love Wren's innocence and sweet, gentle ways. Her love for Tate started back when they were both children and she tagged along behind him as he went from adventure to adventure.
Tate had always loved Wren. Even when he was thousands of miles and an ocean away, he never stopped thinking about her. Everything he did was motivated by his love and the goal he had of returning to her and giving her a home.
Prepare to have your heart melted in this beautiful story of love and sacrifice.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
Something New follows in the grand tradition of all books by Joanne Bischof. You will feel the rolling of the ship in the storm; smell the wildflowers in the garden, ache with the labor of felling trees. And you will be drawn into a story full of longing and hope, written in a language which is rich and compelling.
I love Wren's innocence and sweet, gentle ways. Her love for Tate started back when they were both children and she tagged along behind him as he went from adventure to adventure.
Tate had always loved Wren. Even when he was thousands of miles and an ocean away, he never stopped thinking about her. Everything he did was motivated by his love and the goal he had of returning to her and giving her a home.
Prepare to have your heart melted in this beautiful story of love and sacrifice.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
April 23, 2024
As I re-read both Sons of Blackbird Mountain and Daughters of Northern Shores, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to that world just yet. So of course I had to give this novella a re-read as well.
Though I didn't enjoy it enough to give it five stars a second time, it was still just as precious and adorable. A sweet goodbye to the series that I love so much
Though I didn't enjoy it enough to give it five stars a second time, it was still just as precious and adorable. A sweet goodbye to the series that I love so much
September 18, 2019
Magical
Every book I read that Joanne writes carries me into a magical place. All of her characters come to life in personal and enchanting ways. This novella kept me hooked the whole read through.
Every book I read that Joanne writes carries me into a magical place. All of her characters come to life in personal and enchanting ways. This novella kept me hooked the whole read through.
October 8, 2019
At long last! We get Tate’s story! In Daughters of Northern Shores, the story wasn’t really about Tate, but I longed to see his resolved. Joanne did a good job of that with Something New.
Because of misunderstanding and miscommunication, the relationship of trust that Tate and Wren enjoyed has been largely broken down. I loved how that was reestablished through simple, everyday acts of kindness and love.
Both of these characters were so likeable, yet also humanly flawed. I couldn’t help but cheer for them to reach their own happy ending.
If you, like me, have yearned for more from Joanne Bischof in the flavor of the Sons of Blackbird Mountain series, then this novella is what you’ve been waiting for.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Because of misunderstanding and miscommunication, the relationship of trust that Tate and Wren enjoyed has been largely broken down. I loved how that was reestablished through simple, everyday acts of kindness and love.
Both of these characters were so likeable, yet also humanly flawed. I couldn’t help but cheer for them to reach their own happy ending.
If you, like me, have yearned for more from Joanne Bischof in the flavor of the Sons of Blackbird Mountain series, then this novella is what you’ve been waiting for.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
September 12, 2019
I've absolutely loved everything I've read by Ms. Bischof, and this is no exception! The author draws you in with her words, painting pictures in your mind and making you feel as though you are living the story. She has a beautiful way of writing, and I appreciate the heartfelt stories that I get each time I pick up one of her books. I loved Tate and Wren's story. After reading Sons of Blackbird Mountain and Daughters of Northern Shores and being introduced to Tate in those books, I was so anxious to dive further into his story. I just wish it would've been longer! I wasn't ready to say goodbye yet! I highly recommend this book and anything by Ms. Bischof. You won't be disappointed!
October 9, 2022
heartwarming
I don’t usually read novellas, because I like a good long story . But this was just filled with warmth. Paired with Joanne‘s beautiful grace of writing, it’s just what your heart needs for a nice cozy weekend. ❤️
If you’ve finished sons of blackbird mountains and/or daughters or northern shores and are still in the after-whoa of thinking all of the things, this book will be a good fit. You can stay in the same world, not lose the awe of the first book, but have something a tad bit lighter for your heart.
Now….to reread sons of blackbird mountain again. ;)
I don’t usually read novellas, because I like a good long story . But this was just filled with warmth. Paired with Joanne‘s beautiful grace of writing, it’s just what your heart needs for a nice cozy weekend. ❤️
If you’ve finished sons of blackbird mountains and/or daughters or northern shores and are still in the after-whoa of thinking all of the things, this book will be a good fit. You can stay in the same world, not lose the awe of the first book, but have something a tad bit lighter for your heart.
Now….to reread sons of blackbird mountain again. ;)
November 3, 2019
3.5 stars
A perfect read for cosy afternoons or sunny days on the beach, or simply when you need to "escape" for a while. A quick read, but moving and heartfelt. Tate, the male protagonist, is a character of exceptional character, if I can say it that way. :)
The one aspect that didn't appeal to me so much is that I found the story more idylic than realistic. However, this very well might be appealing to other readers.
A perfect read for cosy afternoons or sunny days on the beach, or simply when you need to "escape" for a while. A quick read, but moving and heartfelt. Tate, the male protagonist, is a character of exceptional character, if I can say it that way. :)
The one aspect that didn't appeal to me so much is that I found the story more idylic than realistic. However, this very well might be appealing to other readers.
August 24, 2020
Get to know Tate Kennedy, best friend and blood brother to Haakon during their seafaring days.
Just as Haakon returned home to Blackbird Mountain, the time has come for Tate to return home. The difference is, he's much more eager to go back to the life he left behind. As long as the girl he left behind will take him back.
Will the promises he clumsily tried to honor years earlier when he left his hometown serve him well now?
Just as Haakon returned home to Blackbird Mountain, the time has come for Tate to return home. The difference is, he's much more eager to go back to the life he left behind. As long as the girl he left behind will take him back.
Will the promises he clumsily tried to honor years earlier when he left his hometown serve him well now?
September 27, 2019
I was so very excited to begin the story of Tate and Wren, having absolutely loved the Sons of Blackbird Mountain series. This book was everything I could’ve hoped for and more. It’s difficult to put into words the beauty of the story and how these characters truly now own a piece of my heart ...and the audible narration was absolutely perfect. This is one I will surely be sharing with my family.
October 17, 2019
Something New is a beautifully written story by Joanne Bischof. I loved Tate and Wren. They went through so much that many readers could relate to. I highly recommend this novella.
Five Stars.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Five Stars.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
May 11, 2021
This wasn’t nearly as good as Joanne Bischof’s others. The characters were pretty blah and the whole situation of him leaving his true love for 4 years without contact “just for her” was not ok in my book. Then to come back and assume she’s waited faithfully and just builds her a house before even mending the relationship made me cringe.
September 1, 2019
Wow, Joanne Bischof has done it again! From the very first page until the last word, she captured my heart with this story of Tate and Wren. Hopefully, there will be a story about little brother Timothy in the future. Love and hope abounds!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews