Customer Reviews

Finding Anna (Music of the Heart #1)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Official Reviewer for Romance Designs

In October of 1871 the inferno rages with the Chicago business district destroyed. Horatio Gates Spafford informs his partner Henry McDaid that their law partnership has gone the way of the fire as the flames engulf their office. Horatio tells the man he considers his brother that they must get their wives and children to safety. When he reaches Lincoln Park to meet his family there, Horatio is stunned by the destruction and assumes that he sent his family to their deaths, but soon finds his wife Anna alive and she tells him the children are home safe and sound.

The fire that destroyed much of Chicago and devastated his legal business also scarred Anna, who cannot even get out of bed to care for their children. Horatio wants to help those in need, but fails to see his spouse's needs. He turns to God and real estate to help the downtrodden while she has doubts about a deity that would cause biblical destruction. Over the next two years, their relationship further erodes until they agree to go on a European vacation with their four daughters seeking redemption through God and healing with each other starting with the hymn he writes, "It Is Well With My Soul."

FINDING ANNA is a terrific inspirational historical biographical fiction novel that digs deep into the Chicago Fire especially the aftermath through a wonderful ensemble cast though the Spaffords are the prime players. Readers will appreciate the depth of the tale as Anna suffers from battle fatigue syndrome and her disillusionment with God while Horatio feels he has found his calling, but fails to apply his good deeds at home. Readers will cherish the first "Music of the Heart" tale and look forward to more such stories behind the Hymns.

Harriet Klausner

The book starts out animatly written and builds strength. You find that you can't put it down. I had to remind myself midway through the book that it was nonfiction! It is so colorfully written and you understand the charactors so well. I was sad the book ended. You cry for sadness and cry for happiness. You cry for what you take for granted. You gain a deep understanding of God and of life. You'll be thinking about this one long after you close the cover.

Schaub's retelling of the story behind one of the most popular and touching hymns is phenominal. From the moment I began reading, I was captured by her real-life characters. Schaub has an extremely unique way of narrating by connecting the reader to the inner-most thoughts of each of her major characters, stripping them of their protective shells and allowing us to see the true motives behind their actions; all without giving away too much and keeping readers intrigued. It is refreshing to find a new and unique voice among today's writers. I read this book in one day...and can't wait until the release of her next one.

Christine Schaub's "Finding Anna" is a great first novel from an author from whom readers will hear more good things. The (historical) fictional account of Horatio Gates Spafford, his family - particularly his wife, Anna, his partner Henry McDaid and how they were changed by the horrific Chicago fire of 1871 is a marvelously told story.

I can't wait for the next book!

Gary Cook

I was very impressed with Schaub's first effort, and look forward to future works in her "Music of the Heart" series. "Finding Anna" begins with the story of Gates Spafford and wife Anna. They appeared to not have a care in the world. Spafford was a prosperous businessman and attorney in Chicago, Anna an able homemaker, loving partner, and mother to their four children. However, their lives are nearly destroyed in the first few pages of the book, as the author paints a gripping and detailed account of the destruction and despair caused by the city's great fire of 1871.

The family endures, and Spafford plays a major role in rebuilding what has become the Chicago of today. But Spafford and his family endure further unspeakable tragedies. Spafford, a man of faith, is understandably tested. But it is his faith - albeit wavering at times - that rescues him and he is eventually inspired to pen the words to the seminal hymn "It is Well With My Soul."

I was not aware of the story of Spafford until a friend recommended the book, and I found his story fascinating. The author surrounds the Spafford family with an intriguing mix of characters and the book is obviously well researched; in particular Schaub's work on the fire, told in brilliant and painstaking detail. As a Chicago resident, I enjoyed the effort put into the description of the fire's path and route taken by Spafford to escape the fire's wrath from his downtown office. I recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the story behind this particular hymn...you'll be treated to a entertaining read, rich with memorable characters (you'll love the pages on D.L. Moody), and how one family struggles to endure and survive life's challenges and tragedies.

"It Is Well With My Soul" has been my favorite hymn since childhood, and I thought I knew the story of the Spafford family. But this book opened my eyes to the heart-wrenching reality they lived, and the incredible strength their faith gave them in these tragic years.

The author transports you to the time and place with incredible insight into the way people act in times of stress and joy. While reading about the Chicago Fire, I felt the heat of the flames and choked on the ashes in the air. I wept when key characters died, further complicating the tragedy. When the story turned to the hymn, I could, for the first time, truly understand the words I now sing with greater joy than ever. I now know what it means to say "It is well with my soul."

Finding Anna was truly inspirational! I loved it. I cannot wait to read the second of this series. I found the mix of history and fiction a delight to read. Tasteful and well written!