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Where My Heart Belongs
Twelve years ago, spoiled Amy Halbert changed her name, demanded her share of the family's money, and dropped out of sight. Now as her father lies dying at the family farm in Kansas, Amy shows up out of nowhere. Her father is overjoyed to see her and learns that she's come to know the Lord. Before he dies, he begs his older daughter, Kathy, to be a good sister and welcome Amy back into the family. But Kathy struggles with the old feelings of betrayal and bitterness that consume her. How can she forgive someone who brought such misery into their lives? Throughout the tumultuous summer, the two women sort through not only their parents' belongings, but also a past full of questions and pain. Will both sisters find their way home again?
330 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2007
178 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
249 books3,115 followersTracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.
pen name: Janelle Jamison
pen name: Janelle Jamison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 23, 2025
I wasn’t expecting to find this book so hard to put down. Normally sister-tension with a dying parent is not my cup of tea, but I needed the book for a challenge, and it snagged me right away, to the point of it keeping me awake to finish in a single evening. I was so happy when things ended well!
May 1, 2012
I had checked this book out for my grandmother on a whim, because our library's selection of large print isn't too great. I was gathering everything to return and decided I wanted to try this one too. I'm so glad I did! It was really hard to put this one down. I could relate to a lot of the things Sunny had gone through in her life, and how some people will hold those things against you for a very long time. I love the characters as well as the message. It was definitely a good read!
December 2, 2024
A very touching story about love and forgiveness over tragedy. There are certain parts that had me in tears.
**Well done !
**Well done !
January 23, 2024
This book does a beautiful job making the verse "Behold, I make All Things New" come to life. I thoroughly enjoyed being reminded of the power of both forgiveness and bitterness
August 18, 2010
I love Tracie Peterson's books and this is no exception. The story is about two sisters, Kathy and Sunny. Sunny left home twelve years ago and didn't contact anybody in her family. When she returns home a changed person, her dad is ecstatic and welcomes her home like the prodigal. Kathy, however, is greatly displeased. She blames Summer for the problems in her life.
The story of forgiveness is touching and I found myself drawn into the stories of these two sisters. Definitely recommend it for anybody who likes christian fiction or romantic christian fiction.
The story of forgiveness is touching and I found myself drawn into the stories of these two sisters. Definitely recommend it for anybody who likes christian fiction or romantic christian fiction.
August 12, 2014
I usually love Tracie Peterson's books but this one was hard for me to get into. Halfway through the book and it still kept repeating the same issue of the sister returning home and her sister not accepting her. It did get better in the middle and towards the end I was starting to enjoy it more. I'm glad that I finished it as I almost didn't!
February 1, 2008
I was going to give this book 3 stars because it was pretty good, but it went on about a hundred pages too long, and I was annoyed that it was taking so long to finish. A little too "storybook" ending for me, but if you're in the mood for that kind of book, this is a good one.
March 8, 2009
I enjoyed this book. The flow was good and it had you wondering about the past life of Amy (Sunshine) and the author summed everything up pretty well.
It was the first book I'd read after reading straight thru the 12 left behind series so it was a good place to be.
It was the first book I'd read after reading straight thru the 12 left behind series so it was a good place to be.
September 8, 2020
*4.5 stars
Narration Review:
The narrator did a wonderful job of matching her voice to the energy and mood of the story, especially for the more emotional scenes. She was able to make the character voices each sound different and they seemed to match their personalities well. She did a great job at making this novel come to life through her performance.
Story Review:
While my personal life circumstances are very different, at heart I am Kathy. This story forced me to think through and process some of my own emotions through the heart of Kathy's character. Surprisingly there were a few instances where I related to Amy/Sunny as well though. There were multiple scenes that convicted my heart, and others that comforted it. I liked that the story was both from Kathy and Amy's perspectives so that it forces the reader toward a deeper level of empathy for both personalities. It gives a new, more relevant perspective to the story of the prodigal son. The ending was too easy for me, but the conflict and emotion throughout held me captive and was just what I needed right now.
Narration Review:
The narrator did a wonderful job of matching her voice to the energy and mood of the story, especially for the more emotional scenes. She was able to make the character voices each sound different and they seemed to match their personalities well. She did a great job at making this novel come to life through her performance.
Story Review:
While my personal life circumstances are very different, at heart I am Kathy. This story forced me to think through and process some of my own emotions through the heart of Kathy's character. Surprisingly there were a few instances where I related to Amy/Sunny as well though. There were multiple scenes that convicted my heart, and others that comforted it. I liked that the story was both from Kathy and Amy's perspectives so that it forces the reader toward a deeper level of empathy for both personalities. It gives a new, more relevant perspective to the story of the prodigal son. The ending was too easy for me, but the conflict and emotion throughout held me captive and was just what I needed right now.
June 15, 2025
Very interesting story plot. The Characters were very well developed. I was annoyed by the story line three quarters through. It felt like the arguments were going in circles. I know that it probably was real life scenarios. I understand that what Sunny/Amy went through was very traumatic and saddening, but I felt like the details of immodesty were unnecessary and unneeded. I would be embarrassed and ashamed to have any of my brothers read those sections. The Scripture and spiritual teachings were dead on and wonderful! The ending felt a little fairy tale-ish but I kind of wanted it.😆
Overall, pretty good story lines that of they deleted some detailed portions, could have gotten my endorsement. Wouldn’t re-read the novel again due to the worldly details as I just felt that it isn’t healthy to meditate on such demoralising issues.
Interesting take on the Prodigal son or daughter in this case.
Overall, pretty good story lines that of they deleted some detailed portions, could have gotten my endorsement. Wouldn’t re-read the novel again due to the worldly details as I just felt that it isn’t healthy to meditate on such demoralising issues.
Interesting take on the Prodigal son or daughter in this case.
May 8, 2022
A story about a family that has lost a lot, mainly two sisters that once were close. Amy hated her life and her name which she changed to Sunshine. The she packed her bags and left her family to seek a better life. She does not have contact with her sister for twelve long years. Kathy assumed Amy was dead.
Twelve years after Amy shows up on Kathy's doorstep. Kathy doesn't know how to react since she was shocked by the appearance. Kathy holds a grudge against (Amy) Sunny for abandoning her and her family.
I like how the book brings to light both ends of the spectrum regarding how each sister felt. What each went through in the 12 years they were apart surprises each of these ladies.
Twelve years after Amy shows up on Kathy's doorstep. Kathy doesn't know how to react since she was shocked by the appearance. Kathy holds a grudge against (Amy) Sunny for abandoning her and her family.
I like how the book brings to light both ends of the spectrum regarding how each sister felt. What each went through in the 12 years they were apart surprises each of these ladies.
February 9, 2020
A great story about facing heartache and difficulties and finding forgiveness and healing.
Some of the ending was a little far-fetched and felt all tied up with a ribbon and bow, but it was nice.
I listened to the audio book. The narrator was fine. The music at the start and end isn’t needed, in my opinion.
The characters had some very relatable aspects, but I never truly understood Sunny’s hatred for her childhood home life, or not staying in contact. That part just never made sense and I didn’t feel like it was truly explained.
The overwhelming message for me was the reference to Isaiah and that God can make a new way. That really resonated with me.
Some of the ending was a little far-fetched and felt all tied up with a ribbon and bow, but it was nice.
I listened to the audio book. The narrator was fine. The music at the start and end isn’t needed, in my opinion.
The characters had some very relatable aspects, but I never truly understood Sunny’s hatred for her childhood home life, or not staying in contact. That part just never made sense and I didn’t feel like it was truly explained.
The overwhelming message for me was the reference to Isaiah and that God can make a new way. That really resonated with me.
August 11, 2022
Clean read, definitely faith based. It’s a story of restoration and redemption. Of not only the prodigal daughter returning, but the of the faithful daughter, who had picked up the slack when the prodigal left. And the pain and hurt the prodigals departure inflicted on the faithful daughter.
I liked that Sunny’s story didn’t unfold quickly and some of it remained a mystery until near the end. And also appreciated how the gospel was weaved into the fabric of the story in a gentle way. Cried at the end. Good book.
I liked that Sunny’s story didn’t unfold quickly and some of it remained a mystery until near the end. And also appreciated how the gospel was weaved into the fabric of the story in a gentle way. Cried at the end. Good book.
June 1, 2017
Modern retelling of the Prodigal Son, except it's a daughter. Amy, now known as Sunny, left home 12 years before. No one had heard from her until she returns home. Sunny has returned just days before her father's death. Her sister Kathy has a hard time forgiving her sister because Sunny's leaving indirectly caused her mother's death. Story of the sisters' making their way back to being a family.
April 7, 2022
I loved this fictional version of "The Prodigal Son." I've always had trouble understanding why the oldest son got such condemnation; after all, he did what he was supposed to do. This book gave me some insight as to how his heart might not have been in the right place even though to all outward appearances, it looked like he was following all the rules. Following the rules might not be enough.
June 3, 2017
A wonderfully written book
When I started this story I had no idea it would hit my heart as it did, I saw my life happen in both girls. How God worked within them is amazing.
A sad and bittersweet story of family, growth, love, bonding and best of all our glorious Lord Jesus.
I'd recommend this story to anyone, especially when in question of forgiveness and rebuilding family.
When I started this story I had no idea it would hit my heart as it did, I saw my life happen in both girls. How God worked within them is amazing.
A sad and bittersweet story of family, growth, love, bonding and best of all our glorious Lord Jesus.
I'd recommend this story to anyone, especially when in question of forgiveness and rebuilding family.
June 20, 2017
Dad is happy to see his daughter return home, her sister not so much. There have been many changes since Sunny left, and many things that aren't understood. The two sisters need to work through so many things before they can move forward.
This book was a quick read because it moved so quickly. Everything was settled but I hope we can visit with them once they move.
This book was a quick read because it moved so quickly. Everything was settled but I hope we can visit with them once they move.
June 13, 2021
Family & forgiveness
A great story about loss, sadness, bitterness & restoration through Gods love & direction. Sisters reunited & true love rekindled through an emotional roller coaster of complex relationships. A fascinating & thought provoking story reminds us of the importance of love & forgiveness.
A great story about loss, sadness, bitterness & restoration through Gods love & direction. Sisters reunited & true love rekindled through an emotional roller coaster of complex relationships. A fascinating & thought provoking story reminds us of the importance of love & forgiveness.
May 29, 2017
Beautiful story, wonderfully written as usual for this author.
Wonderfully written story, she is one of the great storytellers. I was skeptical for a while that they could work out their problems. I highly recommend this and anything by this author.
Wonderfully written story, she is one of the great storytellers. I was skeptical for a while that they could work out their problems. I highly recommend this and anything by this author.
July 19, 2017
A relaxing read
This is a light story of redemption good for a vacation summer read. Not the best writing in the world and some plot lines that are a stretch but fine for a relaxing escape.
This is a light story of redemption good for a vacation summer read. Not the best writing in the world and some plot lines that are a stretch but fine for a relaxing escape.
December 17, 2017
Where my Heart Belongs
I loved this modern telling of the prodigal son (or daughter, as it were). I loved that it wasn't a beat the word of God into you, but rather a practical application of the word to a modern life situation.
I loved this modern telling of the prodigal son (or daughter, as it were). I loved that it wasn't a beat the word of God into you, but rather a practical application of the word to a modern life situation.
March 23, 2018
Sweet and romantic with a twist of life lessons
This sweet and romantic book was full of little surprises. There were many life-lessons and simple reminders of how we are perceived. Made me stop and look at what others see in me.
This sweet and romantic book was full of little surprises. There were many life-lessons and simple reminders of how we are perceived. Made me stop and look at what others see in me.
May 31, 2018
I got about a third of the way through and just could not stand the repetition any longer, it was just so annoying. I have read one other book by TP, and it also had redundancies but that wasn't this bad. I don't think I'll read any other novel by her, especially if they're all like this.
July 10, 2021
I enjoyed this book and felt connected to the characters right away. The first half was very repetitive and I wish it would have delved into Sunny’s story in more detail. But overall it was enjoyable
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October 26, 2022The prodigal daughter. Upon her return home after a 12 year absence Sunny finds things much different than the way she left them. The older sister must learn to forgive while she finds out the heart wrenching things her sister endured while away. Make sure you have a tissue handy.
January 13, 2025
Basic, elementary writing. Not really my style.
Characters: Kathy, Sunny (Amy): sisters who were estranged years ago when Sunny changed her name and moved away. Tension and ill feelings between sisters. Sunny sought forgiveness. Kathy fought on forgiving. Of course all came out well in the end.
Characters: Kathy, Sunny (Amy): sisters who were estranged years ago when Sunny changed her name and moved away. Tension and ill feelings between sisters. Sunny sought forgiveness. Kathy fought on forgiving. Of course all came out well in the end.
August 18, 2025
Awesome!
It's a very good book. Kept my attention all the way through. The drama between the two sisters kept me reading. I read the book in two days! Can't wait for the next book. I've read over 70 of her books, and I loved them all. The books are stored on my Kindle.
It's a very good book. Kept my attention all the way through. The drama between the two sisters kept me reading. I read the book in two days! Can't wait for the next book. I've read over 70 of her books, and I loved them all. The books are stored on my Kindle.
May 27, 2017
Must read
This book made me cheer, cry and made me think about my life. Tracie Peterson's books are never a disappointment Loved the book.
This book made me cheer, cry and made me think about my life. Tracie Peterson's books are never a disappointment Loved the book.
November 22, 2017
Read All Night
Ms. Peterson, has a way with words and with form. Even if you sort of guess the ending she always surprises you. Once I start one of her books, I read all night.
Ms. Peterson, has a way with words and with form. Even if you sort of guess the ending she always surprises you. Once I start one of her books, I read all night.
January 11, 2018
Two sisters learn to reconnect after being apart. their struggles and story in this book. Not my favorite Tracie Peterson book, but still good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews