Book Review: A Home for My Heart

A Home for My Heart is an inspirational historical fiction novel set at the turn of the twentieth century. Sadie Sillsby has it all planned out; she will continue working as an assistant as the Raystown Home for Orphan and Friendless Children and then marry her beau, Blaine. But as in real life, God had other plans for Sadie and Blaine. Both are presented with – and accept – opportunities they feel they can’t refuse. Unfortunately, these opportunities are somewhat mutually exclusive.

Despite their feelings for each other, they both feel committed to the choices they have made and reluctantly part ways. This ends up being a good decision, as Sadie does a lot of growing up over the course of the novel. While she is proud of her new role as matron, she finds herself woefully unprepared for all of the administrative and financial responsibilities of the job. She also misses working closely with the children and is still grieving the loss of Blaine. What will happen to the orphanage? Will Sadie and Blaine reunite?

The author, Anne Mateer, weaves a well-constructed and heartwarming story. However, in the spirit of an honest review, this was not a book I considered to be a page-turner. The story just didn’t grab me the way that some do. It plodded along and was a little slow in spots.

Despite that, one thing I did really like about the book was the way the author incorporated an important character lesson about being in control without coming across as superficial or preachy. Over the course of the novel, readers see Sadie come to the realization that she does not have to be in charge and in control all of the time. As she slowly starts to let her guard down a bit – opening her heart to trusting God’s will for her life despite the perceived risks she feels – she is surprised to discover the good things that happen as a result. As a perfectionist myself, I could relate to Sadie’s struggle to let go and trust others instead of just herself.

Note: I occasionally review books for Christian book publishers. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for posting an honest review.