Where the Heart Leads

by Anita Stansfield

With the loss of his mother, the final threads that bind Jonathon Brandt to home are gone forever, and he leaves Boston, hoping to never return. The year is 1894, and Jonathon is eager to head west to California to find a new life, a new profession, and an escape from the disastrous relationship with his father.

Jonathon's journey westward allows him the opportunity to stop and visit his beloved Aunt Ellie, who lives in a small, Central Utah town. He falls in love with the scenery the same day he falls in love with Maddie Jo Hansen, and suddenly California loses its appeal. Even though Maddie is a Mormon, Jonathon quickly realizes that he likes everything about this place and the people-except for Glen Hansen, Maddie's father, who is determined that no man, especially Jonathon, is going to take his daughter away from him.

Anita Stansfield, the #1 best-selling LDS romance author, delivers one of her finest novels to date. Filled with intrigue and romance, Where the Heart Leads is a compelling story of heartbreaking loss, inspiring discovery, and a love that overcomes all obstacles.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Lds, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Religion

246 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2001

About the author

Anita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.

"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."

"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this wasn't the main focus of the novel (the romantic journey between Jon and Maddie was), I think my favourite part was the reminder that knowing one's family history (the stories, not just the names and lineage) can prove vital in understanding the hearts and motivations of those who have come before.
(note that this book is written from a Latter-day Saint worldview which may be of interest to some, but not all)

[Krystal Hon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book in a box from the attic - I probably read it as a teenager but forgot about it so I read it again. I love how wholesome it is. It got a little redundant in places and tended to “tell” instead of show in places, but overall, a good, clean, cute story. I like the emphasis on how knowing people and their stories/background helps you to understand their behaviors and be able to find common ground, patience and even forgiveness.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this delightful novel. Jon is a man who leaves home the moment his Mother's funeral is over. He goes to Utah to stay with his Aunt and falls in love with a quiet girl in a wheelchair named Maddie. But Maddie's father kicks him out and forbids them from seeing each other. Jon investigates the church, wonders how he can date Maddie, and wonders if she can ever walk again.

[Elizabeth Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago and recently inherited it, so I read it again and realized i forgot most of what happened, then i thought. this story is sweet and emotionally deep. everyone has hardships, and finding people who love you to work through those hardships is what life is about. this book has many examples of that and just leaves me with warm fuzzies.

[Malina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light read. It is predictable and cheesy and some times that is what you want. I've never read any of the authors other books to compare.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"With the loss of his mother, the final threads that bind Jonathon Brandt to home are gone forever, and he leaves Boston, hoping to never return. The year is 1894, and Jonathan is eager to head west to California to find a new life, new profession, and an escape from the disastrous relationship with his father.
"Jonathan's journey westward allows him to stop and visit his beloved Aunt Ellie, who lives in small, Central Utah town. He falls in love with the scenery the same day he falls in love with Maddie Jo Hansen, and suddenly California loses its appeal. Even though Maddie is mormon, Jonathan qiuckly realizes that he likes everything about this place and the people-except Glen Hansen, Maddie's father, who is determined that no man, especially Jonathan, is going to take his daughter away from him.
"Anita Stansfield, the #1 best-selling LDS romance author, delivers one of her finest novels up to date. Filled with intrigue and romance, Where the heart leads is a compelling story of heartbreaking loss, inspiring discovery, and a love that overcomes all obstacles."
I loved every word, paragraph, and page of this story. You will be drawn in as Maddie and Jon go through every tear, prayer, and trial. You will hopefully love it as much as i do!!!

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I find myself rolling my eyes as I read, it's just not a good sign. I tend to avoid "Mormon" literature because it's just a bit too cheesy for me, but thought I'd give Anita Stansfield a try. I was not impressed. This book seemed more like a cute little story than a novel, the ending was predictable, there wasn't much depth, and I didn't feel much attachment to any of the characters. There are a few hardships for these people, but none of them came through as a real climax or struggle, since she skimmed over most of the time periods when the characters were feeling any serious emotion. I will try another book of hers and see how that one goes.

[AshleyE · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is written by an LDS author & talks quite a bit about the religion. I really didn't mind, it "fit" the book- if you know what I mean. The plot offered enough twists and turns to keep me interested, but it is the characters that provide the real entertainment. Stansfield employs a host of colorful minor players, including Maddie's cantankerous father, a thoughtful hick named Ernest Mortensen (reminded me so much of my own Daddy) and two lovable matchmaking friends.
I really enjoyed this book.

[Leiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I tried to read an Anita Stansfield book and I didn't get much farther than the first chapter - it was a total soap opera and actually made me feel uncomfortable. However, a friend dropped this book off to me and because I was currently out of books I read it. I actually really enjoyed it. It was very cute, uplifiting, and simply enjoyable. Not soap opera in any way. It took place in the early 1900's.

[Shauna]

I love everything I have read by Anita Stansfield. This one was set in the 1800's. Jon's mother dies and on the day of her death he packs up and leaves home trying to get away from a father that he believes does not love him and will never be proud of him. He meets Maddie and it is love at first sight. Her father however is not pleased with her relationship. This book shares their struggles and strains between family relationships.

[Terisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good escape as all Anita Stansfield books are. It is nice to sit and read about someone else and get away from reality for a while. But when reading you have to remember that not people can solve there problems so quickly and with the same unwavering faith. I think it is the little bit of doubt that makes us stronger in the end.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the setting for this book. The time period was great. Again I felt the description of emations was a little over the top. The resolution at the end of the book a felt a little to easy. Over all it was a fun easy read.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This lacks the intensity of most of the other Anita Stansfield novels, and I like the Barrington Saga better (also set in the early days of the LDS church), but this is a touching story. I just didn't get into it as much as I usually do - I didn't relate to the characters as well.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short, quick read, I read it and the sequel in less than a day. It was a fun period romance that was clean and easy to read. Not a great amount of depth to the story, but a lot of faith in Jesus Christ throughout. Good for a quick, clean, faith promoting read.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while you just need to read a good love story. In my opinion Anita Stansfield writes some of the best. This book is a really quick and easy read. It just leaves you with a warm fuzzy and makes you wanna go hug your hunny.

[Juliekjewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the trip back in time to 1894, the simple life and gentle feelings portrayed. However, the hero was prone to shedding tears and the heroine cried all the time as well. Somehow it didn't seem natural that a 19th century man would be so in touch with his feelings.

[Michelle Llewellyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

If this is your first Anita Stansfield book, please, put this book down NOW and go read First Love and Forever before you do anything else.
Somewhere between "Towers of Brierley" and "A Star in Winter" her writing took a turn for the worst. Go read her earlier works. Much better!

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

the perfect book with the best ending! A book of trial and error in a newlyweds lives that is the perfect trail for this couple. the setting is the perfect place, and the timing is just perfect. Anita Stansfield is a wonderful author.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a fun romantic book to read and easy to read.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 3 out of 5]

read 2 ×

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the depth of character and the way they had to learn to see more than their own perspective. Good stuff.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

REread this one. It was just as good the second time.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great love story and overcoming trials!!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Own: Book/Tape

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Whereas I can often predict where Anita's stories are headed, I wasn't able with this one. It was a fun read - and contained some profound words of wisdom throughout.

[Maggie]

Filled with intrigue and romance,Where the Heart Leads is a compelling story of heartbreaking loss, inspiring discovery, and a love that overcomes all obstacles.

[Robynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great novel - I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Kimberlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheesy, sappy, love story. Sometimes I like that kind of quick brainless read. If you want a quick sticky sweet love story, her books are good for that.

[Chelsea Raadgep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I loved this one. It made a great impact on me and taught me that if you want something, or someone in your life, you have to fight for them and never give up. I really loved this story.

[Barbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I loved the setting and the lessons on forgiveness. Cute story!