A Home for My Heart

A Home for My Heart
Anne Mateer
(Bethany House)
ISBN: 978-0764210648
September 2013/352 pages/$14.99
A sweet story of hope and love set against the poignant backdrop of a 1910 orphanage

Sadie Sillsby works as the assistant to the matron at the Raystown Home for Orphan and Friendless Children, pouring all her energy into caring for the boys and girls who live there and dreaming of the day she'll marry her beau, Blaine, and have children of her own. But when the matron surprises everyone by announcing her own engagement, Sadie is suddenly next in line for the esteemed job of running the orphanage.

There's one glitch. The matron cannot be married. She must focus her attention on the financial, legal, and logistical matters of the Home. Sadie's heart is torn. Should she give up her plans for a life with Blaine in order to continue serving these children who have no one else? Does she, a young woman who was once an orphan herself, have what it takes to succeed in such a challenging career? And when the future of the Home begins to look bleak, can Sadie turn things around before the place is forced to close forever?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anne Mateer is a three-time Genesis Contest finalist who has long had a passion for history and historical fiction. She and her husband live near Dallas, Texas, and are the parents of three young adults.

For more information, visit her website at www.annemateer.com or find her on Twitter or Facebook.

MY THOUGHTS

Last fall when I attended the ACFW conference, I enjoyed sitting down at several of the meals and discovering a book next to each plate, compliments of the publisher. One of those books was Anne Mateer's A Home for My Heart. I have been so swamped with book reviews and work that I hadn't had a chance to read it but while recovering from surgery I was able to catch up a bit. I had enjoyed Mateer's debut historical novel Wings of a Dream (reviewed here) a couple of years ago, and this story was just as charming. The time period and setting came alive as I read, and my heart ached for the children Sadie cared for. (And as a side note, I have to say how glad I am that we no longer use the term "Friendless Children" to identify those whose parents are no longer able to care for them! What a horrid moniker!) Mateer has created a host of endearing characters (and a few annoying ones as well!) in this heartwarming tale and weaves a timeless message of faith and trust throughout. A thoroughly satisfying read that I am happy to recommend!