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Music of the Heart #1
Finding Anna
A Powerful Historical Drama Based on the Story Behind The Hymn "It Is Well With My Soul"
This historical novel opens on the eve of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and explores the resulting two-year drama, heartbreak, and redemption that shaped the life of one of America’s great hymn writers--Horatio Gates Spafford.
A poignant novel of relationships, Finding Anna follows Spafford and his wife, Anna, as they struggle to find common ground before their divided loyalties tear apart their marriage once and for all. What will it take for them to recover their faith--in God and each other? Is love powerful enough to bring them through the greatest tragedy of their lives?
In an account that adds little-known details to a well-known story, Schaub debuts the MUSIC OF THE HEART series with perhaps the most personally compelling of all Christian hymns--"It Is Well With My Soul."
This historical novel opens on the eve of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and explores the resulting two-year drama, heartbreak, and redemption that shaped the life of one of America’s great hymn writers--Horatio Gates Spafford.
A poignant novel of relationships, Finding Anna follows Spafford and his wife, Anna, as they struggle to find common ground before their divided loyalties tear apart their marriage once and for all. What will it take for them to recover their faith--in God and each other? Is love powerful enough to bring them through the greatest tragedy of their lives?
In an account that adds little-known details to a well-known story, Schaub debuts the MUSIC OF THE HEART series with perhaps the most personally compelling of all Christian hymns--"It Is Well With My Soul."
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
7 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 21, 2008
This book started out with excitement (speaking of the Great Chicago Fire), then slowed down some, but all in all it was interesting. There were some hints of feminism, but mostly I think Anna merely wanted to be treated with due respect and feel free to speak her mind. There are times when we shouldn't speak our minds, though (and our husbands are to be the leaders of the home). There were also times when the characters supposedly heard God's voice, which I strongly question, as I don't think that happens outside the canon of Scripture. Yes, we may think we hear His voice, but it could just be our own reasoning or remembering a particular Bible verse. All that aside, it was a rather moving account of a man and his family, of their trials, failings, and faith, and I enjoyed it in its quiet strength.
December 30, 2018
Fictionalized account of my most favorite hymn. Sticks out in my mind as a big deal series to me. I still remember how upset I was when I contacted the author wondering where the next book was and her informing me that the publisher had cancelled the series.
A pastor who made a giant impact on my life listened to this hymn being sung by our church via skype; it was the last time he raised his hands before seeing the Lord face to face.
A pastor who made a giant impact on my life listened to this hymn being sung by our church via skype; it was the last time he raised his hands before seeing the Lord face to face.
December 1, 2022
Finding Anna is the story of Horatio and Anna Spafford and how the hymn "It is Well With My Soul" came to be written. It took me a while to get into this story, but once I did, it held my interest. Such a sad tale, but I love the message of forgiveness and unconditional love woven within.
April 12, 2022
Finding Anna seemed to be a very promising book given its little blurb on the back. A story that follows Horatio Gates Spafford the poet of the famous hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” and the events that caused him to write the hymn sounded very intriguing. The book though was lacking in plot and character development. There seemed to be no real story after the first few chapters and the author never gave much depth to the characters to allow the reader to connect with them. This is a difficulty that comes with writing fictionalized stories based off of true events and people. Overall the ending proved to be emotional and it was interesting to read, just wish there was more to the book as a whole.
“Joy and sorrow are inseparable…together they come and when one sits alone with you…remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.”
“I wonder which grief weighs heavier-
Longing for what you have never had, never known, or losing what you have had, what you have known. I don’t know the answer. But I do know the weight of each.”
“Joy and sorrow are inseparable…together they come and when one sits alone with you…remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.”
“I wonder which grief weighs heavier-
Longing for what you have never had, never known, or losing what you have had, what you have known. I don’t know the answer. But I do know the weight of each.”
June 6, 2009
note: this is the first in a series. I want to keep a look out for more upcoming titles
July 18, 2017
Don't let the cover fool you. This is not about two love birds finding each other across the sea. This is about a marriage drifting--at one point literally--apart.
The story is an historical fiction account of H.G. Spafford and his wife Anna as they struggle to keep their marriage going despite financial, spiritual, and emotional trauma. You may never have heard of these two people, but you have heard the hymn H.G. wrote: It Is Well. Schaub doesn't focus on the history of the events. Sure, the historical truth is there, but she focuses more on the characters and their points of view rather than giving a history lesson. The way she writes is artfully crafted. The book opens with the great fire of Chicago, but instead of describing the terror and effects of the flames, she makes it sound like you're walking through a painting. She does this throughout, giving just enough detail to display the setting while also allowing the reader to imagine it for themselves. That's a problem with a lot of history-based stories--they want to get every detail right. This is not a problem here. Characters are first and foremost.
There are two problems I had. The first being the third act. I felt that it came in too late and wasn't talked about enough. There is a terrible event that happens at the end, and I felt that it could have been expanded on further, diving deeper into what Anna and Spafford did to recover. It has a touching ending, but I think it needed a little extra something other than an epilogue. My second problem is a girl Anna runs into. Once the girl's arc is over, she's never heard from again. So I don't understand her overall role in the story.
Other than that, this was a pleasant read. I'm glad I read it because it's very encouraging to see a marriage go through horrific circumstances and only come out stronger for it. The story taught me to say "It is well with my soul" no matter the hardships that come my way.
The story is an historical fiction account of H.G. Spafford and his wife Anna as they struggle to keep their marriage going despite financial, spiritual, and emotional trauma. You may never have heard of these two people, but you have heard the hymn H.G. wrote: It Is Well. Schaub doesn't focus on the history of the events. Sure, the historical truth is there, but she focuses more on the characters and their points of view rather than giving a history lesson. The way she writes is artfully crafted. The book opens with the great fire of Chicago, but instead of describing the terror and effects of the flames, she makes it sound like you're walking through a painting. She does this throughout, giving just enough detail to display the setting while also allowing the reader to imagine it for themselves. That's a problem with a lot of history-based stories--they want to get every detail right. This is not a problem here. Characters are first and foremost.
There are two problems I had. The first being the third act. I felt that it came in too late and wasn't talked about enough. There is a terrible event that happens at the end, and I felt that it could have been expanded on further, diving deeper into what Anna and Spafford did to recover. It has a touching ending, but I think it needed a little extra something other than an epilogue. My second problem is a girl Anna runs into. Once the girl's arc is over, she's never heard from again. So I don't understand her overall role in the story.
Other than that, this was a pleasant read. I'm glad I read it because it's very encouraging to see a marriage go through horrific circumstances and only come out stronger for it. The story taught me to say "It is well with my soul" no matter the hardships that come my way.
January 25, 2020
This is historical fiction describing the life of Horatio G. Spafford and his wife, Anna, and the events leading up to his writing of "It is Well with my Soul." Starting with the Great Chicago Fire, the author draws readers in to the story with fervor. But Horatio is a man of action, and he, his family, and his associates quickly get involved in helping displaced families both by opening their homes and by using their legal and administrative skills to rebuild homes for them to move into. But amidst all the work being done, Anna is struggling with a depression that stems from loneliness. Will they be able to put their relationship back together?
Horatio decides to take the family on a trip to Europe in a new rebuilding project, this time, his family. But right before their ship is to leave, he is called back to Chicago on urgent business. With a promise to meet them in France in a few weeks, he leaves the family to board the ship. But weeks later when he arrives in Europe, only one family member remains.
I truly enjoyed the story as each character had his own personality. The struggles that they faced were genuine, and the characters handled them in ways that were perfectly human. I enjoyed learning about this period in history and feeling the emotions of the characters as they walked through tragedy while still clinging to their relationship with God. It gave more depth to the beloved hymn, and I was so pleased to sing it at church the day after finishing the book.
Horatio decides to take the family on a trip to Europe in a new rebuilding project, this time, his family. But right before their ship is to leave, he is called back to Chicago on urgent business. With a promise to meet them in France in a few weeks, he leaves the family to board the ship. But weeks later when he arrives in Europe, only one family member remains.
I truly enjoyed the story as each character had his own personality. The struggles that they faced were genuine, and the characters handled them in ways that were perfectly human. I enjoyed learning about this period in history and feeling the emotions of the characters as they walked through tragedy while still clinging to their relationship with God. It gave more depth to the beloved hymn, and I was so pleased to sing it at church the day after finishing the book.
January 30, 2024
As so many others have read this book, and written a review based on the particulars of the book, I have a different opinion.
As a musician and follower of Jesus, since my early years, I've known this hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul" (the theme of the book). If one sings this hymn from the depths of your soul, you'll want to know about the writer of the words.
I believe the author truly cares about the hymn. She knows the story of the hymn and then begins to recreate the actual story of Horatio G. Spafford and his family.
We all have particular preferences in the method and style of a story. Christine Schaub has given us a glimpse into the life of the Spafford family.
I think it would take another entire book to tell their story after the traumatic climax.
This Music of the Heart series is a treasure for those who love to learn the story behind traditional hymns
As a musician and follower of Jesus, since my early years, I've known this hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul" (the theme of the book). If one sings this hymn from the depths of your soul, you'll want to know about the writer of the words.
I believe the author truly cares about the hymn. She knows the story of the hymn and then begins to recreate the actual story of Horatio G. Spafford and his family.
We all have particular preferences in the method and style of a story. Christine Schaub has given us a glimpse into the life of the Spafford family.
I think it would take another entire book to tell their story after the traumatic climax.
This Music of the Heart series is a treasure for those who love to learn the story behind traditional hymns
January 8, 2025
I only read part 1 of the book and it depressed me so much that I simply cannot continue. One after the other, the horrific events seem to appear out of nowhere. After the initial great fire that burns down a city to the ground and kills many people, there is sickness, lethal accidents and now it seems unraveling marriages and deep loneliness are entering as themes. Maybe for some people it is soothing to read of this misery so they can feel better about their lives. But for those simply looking for a relaxing and inspiring read, I would not recommend it. Still 3 stars because the style of writing is not bad at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2024
Historical fiction of HG Spafford who wrote the hymn, It Is Well With My Soul.
Tragedy after tragedy is experienced by this family, yet in the end they let it bring them closer to God, rather than letting tragedy overcome them.
I enjoyed this book, however the second half was better written than the first. Some of the sentences were clunky and awkward at times. Confusing at times when the author would throw around part of a name, expecting the reader to already remember who this person was. Needed more definers in the beginning to help the reader keep track of all the people.
Tragedy after tragedy is experienced by this family, yet in the end they let it bring them closer to God, rather than letting tragedy overcome them.
I enjoyed this book, however the second half was better written than the first. Some of the sentences were clunky and awkward at times. Confusing at times when the author would throw around part of a name, expecting the reader to already remember who this person was. Needed more definers in the beginning to help the reader keep track of all the people.
March 25, 2025
So amazing! My favorite hymn is “It Is Well” and I knew the story behind it, but Schaub brings the story to life through this book. I cannot imagine being in Anna Spafford’s place watching her children drown in the Atlantic, nor can I imagine standing in her husband’s place on a boat in the ocean at the very spot his family’s ship went down and writing the words to that famous hymn we now all know. It brought tears to my eyes several times, and gave new meaning to my favorite hymn. I highly recommend this one!
July 1, 2020
This is a book that you know the ending before you start reading. Based on the life of the author of the popular hymn "It is Well". Through heartbreak and tragedy see how one found hope in the midst of of it all and turns his sorrow into a beautiful poem and tribute. Beautifully written, I like this author's use of words and paints a picture of the life and times of Anna and Horation Gates Spafford. Even through the tears am glad I read this book.
December 17, 2021
Schaub writes an excellent novel chronicling the writing of It Is Well with My Soul, the beautiful hymn by Gates Spafford.
The message is that if we but trust God and accept His Will in all things, good or bad, He will remain our refuge and comforter. It is not ours to determine the outcome of situations in our lives. His ways are not our ways. But He has promised He will never forsake us, he, a Man who has known sorrow and suffering. Let us grow nearer to Him.
The message is that if we but trust God and accept His Will in all things, good or bad, He will remain our refuge and comforter. It is not ours to determine the outcome of situations in our lives. His ways are not our ways. But He has promised He will never forsake us, he, a Man who has known sorrow and suffering. Let us grow nearer to Him.
June 19, 2024
This was a beautiful story of FAITH through many tragedies of Horacio Gates Spafford the man who penned the words to the old hymn…It Is Well With My Soul. I love this hymn and his story put into a historical novel is one of encouragement as we walk through life’s hard times and or tragedies. I was truly blessed by reading this book. May I have that kind of faith in adversity.
February 22, 2023
"But when a parent loses a child, there is no word for it. It is out of sync in the cycle of life and death. There is no understanding it, so man had found no method to describe it. It was a wordless, ruthless, raw agony that defied classification"
November 7, 2024
Sorry. I had high hopes for this story, but I could not get past the first three chapters. Describing every ember and every ash of the great Chicago fire..... ugh! Imagining that the writing in the rest of the book would follow suit, I quit.
March 15, 2025
I would recommend this book! At first, I wasn’t certain I would like it but once I got into it, it got much better and it was interesting to read about how the song it is well with my soul came up about.
September 22, 2017
This is a historical fiction based on the life of the man who wrote one of my favorite songs. Loved this story and I love the song even more now.
January 28, 2018
Powerful. Covered historical events through Christian eyes. I am kind of humbled.
February 23, 2020
great story teller. will read other books in this series.
December 17, 2020
So, I honestly wished this book was longer! It gave me a history I knew nothing about and I wanted more.
December 20, 2020
Truly unbelievable story about how the hymn It is Well With my Soul was written.
April 1, 2022
Good story
February 11, 2023
I read this several years ago and I remember it being a good book. I also remember sobbing toward the end of the book. Definitely pulls on the heartstrings.
January 13, 2017
Although I found the writing good, I thought the thoughts and the actions of the characters opposite from the deep theology found in the words of Horatio Spafford's song "It Is Well With My Soul." I found myself disappointed and wish the author would have given more of her research. The marital issues the author implied were a significant part of her story. Despite her stating that this is clearly a work of fiction and that she was letting facts getting in the way of writing a good story, I was still disappointed. This is not a book I would recommend to others seeking to know more about the true story behind this song.
May 22, 2019
Have you ever wondered what inspired some of the world's most renowned hymns? Who was the writer and what circumstances led to the words sung for hundreds of years? Finding Anna, first in a series of fictionalized stories behind the hymns, features Horatio Gates Spafford, author of one of the most heart-wrenching and compelling hymns - It is Well With My Soul.
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 is a turning point for the Spafford family. Although they're spared loss of life or of their home, Horatio, a well known lawyer and real estate developer, loses almost everything relating to his business. Using the blessings God has provided them, Horatio and his wife Anna open their homes and their lives to others in less fortunate positions. Anna holds down the homefront, while Horatio applies his skills to help rebuild the city. Along the way, he meets evangelist D.L. Moody, who becomes a close friend and mentor.
Anna becomes discouraged and disheartened. While Horatio is doing powerful work, she's stuck at home for hours and sometimes days without seeing him. She works hard to help those living around them and with them, but she misses her husband. Just when things seem darkest, Horatio sees what he is doing to his family and they decide to take a trip to England together to help with Moody's ministry. The family will finally be participating in work together. But, as many people know, the ending to the Spaffords' story is not a happy one. Tragedy strikes and, in his suffering, Horatio Gates Spafford pens It is Well With My Soul:
'When peace, like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul.'
Although this is a fictionalized account, the main message and general story are true to the facts. Finding Anna is a superbly written and researched story, based on the lives of historical figures. Though I already knew the basics of Spafford's story, the book makes him real and makes the hymn that much more meaningful to the reader. Although the book is incredibly uplifting and inspirational, it is a difficult one to process emotionally. However tears of sadness quickly turn to joy when the reader sees how Mr. Spafford comes to rely so deeply on God for peace and healing.
Many secondary storylines and characters add depth to the plot. Schaub has a gift for bringing characters to life and helping the reader see them as real people, even though they lived a century ago. The lessons learned by the characters are still relevant today - about trusting in God no matter the circumstances, and realizing God is in control even through dark times. My only complaint is that there were a few slow portions of the story even though it's not particularly long. I look forward to additional volumes in the Music of the Heart series.
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 is a turning point for the Spafford family. Although they're spared loss of life or of their home, Horatio, a well known lawyer and real estate developer, loses almost everything relating to his business. Using the blessings God has provided them, Horatio and his wife Anna open their homes and their lives to others in less fortunate positions. Anna holds down the homefront, while Horatio applies his skills to help rebuild the city. Along the way, he meets evangelist D.L. Moody, who becomes a close friend and mentor.
Anna becomes discouraged and disheartened. While Horatio is doing powerful work, she's stuck at home for hours and sometimes days without seeing him. She works hard to help those living around them and with them, but she misses her husband. Just when things seem darkest, Horatio sees what he is doing to his family and they decide to take a trip to England together to help with Moody's ministry. The family will finally be participating in work together. But, as many people know, the ending to the Spaffords' story is not a happy one. Tragedy strikes and, in his suffering, Horatio Gates Spafford pens It is Well With My Soul:
'When peace, like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul.'
Although this is a fictionalized account, the main message and general story are true to the facts. Finding Anna is a superbly written and researched story, based on the lives of historical figures. Though I already knew the basics of Spafford's story, the book makes him real and makes the hymn that much more meaningful to the reader. Although the book is incredibly uplifting and inspirational, it is a difficult one to process emotionally. However tears of sadness quickly turn to joy when the reader sees how Mr. Spafford comes to rely so deeply on God for peace and healing.
Many secondary storylines and characters add depth to the plot. Schaub has a gift for bringing characters to life and helping the reader see them as real people, even though they lived a century ago. The lessons learned by the characters are still relevant today - about trusting in God no matter the circumstances, and realizing God is in control even through dark times. My only complaint is that there were a few slow portions of the story even though it's not particularly long. I look forward to additional volumes in the Music of the Heart series.
March 9, 2016
A Powerful Historical Drama Based on the Story Behind The Hymn "It Is Well With My Soul"
This historical novel opens on the eve of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and explores the resulting two-year drama, heartbreak, and redemption that shaped the life of one of America’s great hymn writers--Horatio Gates Spafford.
A poignant novel of relationships, Finding Anna follows Spafford and his wife, Anna, as they struggle to find common ground before their divided loyalties tear apart their marriage once and for all. What will it take for them to recover their faith--in God and each other? Is love powerful enough to bring them through the greatest tragedy of their lives?
In an account that adds little-known details to a well-known story, Schaub debuts the MUSIC OF THE HEART series with perhaps the most personally compelling of all Christian hymns--"It Is Well With My Soul." GR description
What an incredible story. To endure so much pain and tragedy and then to rise above it but to be honest about the pain, feeling lost, wondering if God is there. This was a book club choice and I am glad it was, not sure I would have picked it up otherwise. Definitely a novel that will stay with me and a guide to use when I am struggling with a challenge.
This historical novel opens on the eve of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and explores the resulting two-year drama, heartbreak, and redemption that shaped the life of one of America’s great hymn writers--Horatio Gates Spafford.
A poignant novel of relationships, Finding Anna follows Spafford and his wife, Anna, as they struggle to find common ground before their divided loyalties tear apart their marriage once and for all. What will it take for them to recover their faith--in God and each other? Is love powerful enough to bring them through the greatest tragedy of their lives?
In an account that adds little-known details to a well-known story, Schaub debuts the MUSIC OF THE HEART series with perhaps the most personally compelling of all Christian hymns--"It Is Well With My Soul." GR description
What an incredible story. To endure so much pain and tragedy and then to rise above it but to be honest about the pain, feeling lost, wondering if God is there. This was a book club choice and I am glad it was, not sure I would have picked it up otherwise. Definitely a novel that will stay with me and a guide to use when I am struggling with a challenge.
February 26, 2016
Finding Anna is about finding faith during hard times. The Horatio Gates Spafford family knew tragedy starting with the Chicago fire in 1871. They were a young family with four daughters, a nice home, and Gates had a promising career. Following the devastating fire they put their pain and grief in ministering to others and helped in rebuilding the city. However, Anna was lonely with Gates so busy serving others and became depressed, threatening their relationship. In an effort to save their marriage Gates plans a family trip to Europe traveling on the SS Ville du Havre. What starts out as a trip filled with hope, ends in tragedy. It is through this that Gates writes the hymn, "It is Well with My Soul" expressing his need in only relying on God for strength to endure.
This was a Book Group pick for March (genre: historical fiction) and I even though I've heard bits and pieces on the history of this hymn, the author brought this story alive. The next time we sing this hymn in church it will have a whole new meaning for me.
This was a Book Group pick for March (genre: historical fiction) and I even though I've heard bits and pieces on the history of this hymn, the author brought this story alive. The next time we sing this hymn in church it will have a whole new meaning for me.
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January 3, 2016Where to begin with a novel like this…
The Story of Horatio Gates Spafford, the writer of one of the most loved hymns in America, “It Is Well With My Soul” (When Peace Like a River).
The book begins with the great Chicago Fire. Gates (as he is referred to in the book) and his wife Anna and their four daughters work to pick their lives back up. Not long after Gates puts his wife and daughters set for Europe.
A few days into the journey their ship gets struck by a bigger one. Only Anna survives.
From these tragedies comes a well known and loved Hymn, one written during an hour of anguish and pain.
The Story of Horatio Gates Spafford, the writer of one of the most loved hymns in America, “It Is Well With My Soul” (When Peace Like a River).
The book begins with the great Chicago Fire. Gates (as he is referred to in the book) and his wife Anna and their four daughters work to pick their lives back up. Not long after Gates puts his wife and daughters set for Europe.
A few days into the journey their ship gets struck by a bigger one. Only Anna survives.
From these tragedies comes a well known and loved Hymn, one written during an hour of anguish and pain.
February 25, 2014
I am torn on this one. I liked it, I was bored with it kinda, but I still wanted to find out what happens. Then I got a little frustrated with the main character. Seemed to be sad all the time and not helping herself, but then I thought..well, she is depressed, what do you expect. Just when I decide I didn't care for the story, I find out it was partly based on a true story. Then I was like.. well, if that is the case.. I LIKE IT! So I would give it 3.5 stars. It was a bit preachy and there were instances where it seemed as if God were speaking to them, which is not biblical. However, God's words can come to our minds and hearts when needed and maybe this was more of the case.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews