Finding Anna (Music of the Heart #1) [Paperback]

Christine Schaub (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2005

Music Of The Heart Book 1- A powerful historical drama based on the story behind the hymn 'It Is Well With My Soul.' "Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say; It is well, it is well with my soul...." How can a man who has lost so much write such words? After suffering enormous losses in the Chicago fire of 1871, and terrific strain in his marriage afterward, Horatio Spafford plans a European holiday with his wife and four little girls. But before they can board the SS Ville du Havre in New York, Spafford receives a telegram that will delay his crossing and change his life forever. When tragedy brings him to his knees, Spafford writes a poem on the back of a telegram--words that have become a hymn of hope for millions facing sorrow.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a deeply religious book, themed primarily around the prodigal son story... a good novel." -- Heather Hiestand, Romance Reader at Heart

"A superbly written and researched story....the book makes... the hymn that much more meaningful... incredibly uplifting and inspirational." -- Melissa Parcel, Bookloons.com

"Dialog reads very naturally, and the story relentlessly rolls until it reaches its heartbreaking end." -- Christian Library Journal

"Quietly ignites...a spark of thankfulness and a growing confidence of God’s deep peace... in the midst of unspeakable heartache." -- Kay Tira, Author's Choice Reviews

"Readers will cherish the first MUSIC OF THE HEART tale and look forward to more such stories behind the Hymns." -- Harriet Klausner, ReviewCentre.com

"The story is gripping... a must read for people who love inspirational historical romances!" -- The Romance Studio

From the Inside Flap

Finding Anna wraps a beautiful love story around one of our most loved hymns. It provides readers the opportunity to become aware of the depth of worldly sorrow that enveloped the hymn's writer, and the faith and hope that allowed him to proclaim "it is well with my soul." --Marsha Blackburn, Member of Congress

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764200593
• ISBN-13: 978-0764200595
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #849,946 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a Michigan farm girl, as well as a writer, speaker, actor and pianist. "Finding Anna," my debut novel, launched the MUSIC OF THE HEART series, followed by "The Longing Season." Both books explore the writers of our most famous hymns and received instant acclaim from reviewers. I live in Nashville, Tennessee, and invite readers to visit me at www.christineschaub.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A poignant and inspirational book., March 25, 2006

By 

Lane Ridenhour (Nashville, Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finding Anna (Music of the Heart #1) (Paperback)

What I liked most about FINDING ANNA is the human (and therefore dramatic) context in which one of the classic and beloved hymns of the Christian church was born in the heart of the song's writer. I was somewhat unprepared for both the events that lead to H.G. Spafford's composing the text, and the realization that a song which I have loved but taken for granted at times, was the product of a faith tried by circumstances that I can barely conceive.

Christine Schaub has written a powerful and poignant book and will hopefully emerge as an important voice in Christan fiction. I look forward to future stories in the Music of the Heart series.

Highly, highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Is Well With My Soul, February 1, 2006

By 

Robert F. Blaisdell, Jr. (Champaign, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Finding Anna (Music of the Heart #1) (Paperback)

Since "It Is Well With My Soul" is my favorite hymn I was looking forward to reading this book which is a novel about the story behind that great hymn. I was not dissappointed. I enjoyed this book a lot. It begins with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and ends with the tragedy at sea that lead to H.G. Spafford writing that great hymn mentioned above. Even though this is a novel it is based on facts. Everything written is very believeable even though it probably didn't all happen as written.

This book was hard to put down. You want to keep reading until the end. I highly recommend it to everyone.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!!! Have Kleenex Handy!!!, October 16, 2005

By 

Kristi Ahlers (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Finding Anna (Music of the Heart #1) (Paperback)

All I have to say is...have a BOX of kleenex handy as you will need it for this read!!! With that said...

Finding Anna is a story about finding faith, and truly believing in that faith. Anna and her husband Spafford are blessed...or so it seems. They are truly in love, have a house, security, and beautiful children. But their individual faith is about to be put to the test. Fire, disease, and eventually true loss. Will Anna and Spafford be able to mend their marriage, find faith with God, and survive the trial of life, and what will be the gift that is generated by all of this?

This was an amazing story! Ms. Schaub is off to a great start with her new series and this is one read that I highly recommend. This is a read that will make you think, but at the same time entertain. This is truly a read that will touch your emotions.

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