In Search of Heaven

Barrington Family Saga #1

by Anita Stansfield

A strange and disturbing conversation overheard while secretly perusing the pages of the family Bible in the Barrington’s study . . .

A mysterious yet intriguing book of scripture left unattended on the street . . .

An elusive new religion that beckons from halfway across the world . . .

The daunting task of becoming the governess to the Barrington children . . .

A proposal of marriage without a declaration of love . . .

Thus begins an epic that takes a young woman from a position of servitude to unrelenting challenges that will test the very limits of her courage and faith.

With vividly painted settings that range from the wealth and grandeur of the Barringtons’ English estate to the vast uncharted vistas of America, you will be caught up in a saga rich with the promise of eternal implications.

In her inimitable style, best-selling LDS author Anita Stansfield has created a powerful and tender tale of love and loss and redemption, a deep-rooted love story that reverences the tender significance of human relationships. It is a journey of the spirit and of the heart—an adventure guaranteed to take your breath away.

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

273 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

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

[Stephanie Elieson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. It was SO cheesy. I'm not a huge fan of Christian romance or LDS romance, but I go to them bc I trust they won't be inappropriate, but this one just disappointed me. The timeline was obviously not sketched out (discrepancies), the dialogue and writing was preachy, not flowing. The points of conflict were ridiculous and even more so in their internal resolve to just-get-along. I kept thinking to myself "whatever". The front introduction goes on and on about Anita's study of human behavior and in particular marriage. Hmmmm. More cheese. It was just too floral, not witty, not enough emotional tugging, no depth of character or feeling (write what they feel not ABOUT what they feel) etc.
I'm not willing to read more of her work until a friend recommends something on literary merit, because this one fell short.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book by Stansfield. I don't like a lot of her contemporary stuff and her characters seem to cry for pages, but I liked everything about this sweet read. The characters were very good and well written. The main woman character I really got to know because most of the book is told from her point of view. It was a little odd that we got the main man's point of view half way threw the book but I really liked reading his thoughts and feelings and getting to know him better. The story really grabbed me and held on and I couldn't put this one down for long. The love story between the main characters was heart wrenching and beautiful! I loved how the characters were so honest and open with each other and the reality of everything was tangible. These are books geared to LDS audience, but any Christians romance reader could read this first one and not be preached at about this religion. This book mostly focused on the love story and there Christian beliefs. Adult novel. Everything was kept very clean but this couple was married and so sex was involved by not described.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
In Search of Heaven is the first in a series of the Barrington Family. This is where we have a match between a holder of a English estate with a mass inherited fortune and a humble girl of faith. This is a story that will deal with both the setting of England and the America's....it will delve into a deep abiding faith, it will also dig into learning to love despite deep hurts being given and courage to face the unknown for a bright and beautiful future and what feels right in the heart....

First Line
Eleanore Layne hurriedly wove her dark auburn hair into a long braid, tied it with a black ribbon, and tossed it over her shoulder.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: James Barrington
The Heroine: Eleanor Layne

Summary
Eleanor is just a humble servant in the household of the Barrington. She is a woman of faith and content with her lot in life. She dreams of one day falling in love and having a family. She stumbles across a book in the road which leads her to the discovery of a new book of scripture: The Book of Mormon. She is instantly drawn into its pages that feels so connecting to the Bible. She is a avid reader and dreams of going to America. When the wife of Mr. James Barrington dies in childbirth he is in need of a governess, one that is well read and with a kind heart. He then offers Eleanor the job to be their governess. At first she is hesitant to take the offer, but then knows that this is a blessing from heaven, as it would mean higher wages and it wouldn't take so long to earn her way to the America's. James and Eleanor build a slow trust with each other, and Eleanor falls deeply for his children and when he makes a decision to move to the America's, he makers her an offer she can't refuse.....a marriage of convenience with promise of protection and affection but not love as his past wife burned him of love he could have had for her....but will Eleanor's dream of love be forgotten....

What I Loved
This was truly such a poignant and heartfelt romance that I felt dig deep into my heart. I wanted to just relax with this book and not rush through it so I did take my time with it. It felt so heavenly to be reading with this author once again. I fell so hard for this book and these characters just captivated me so deeply. I loved the authors' note in this book especially and I feel like many who grew up with religion in their lives and the aspects of intimacy that are rarely communicated with will relate to this story and how she really talks about intimacy in this story. If you are worried about detailed or explicit sex scenes, they aren't going to be in this. But it definitely touches base on this aspect as our couple is in a marriage of convenience but its going to be on the bridge between closed door and fade to black.

I found In Search of Heaven to be fascinating and emotionally engaging. This is going to appeal to readers that enjoy romance and more focus on character building. There is a plot here but its more slow going in that regard as the focus is the slow built relationship between this family. From the beginning you are on board with this heroine and her journey of faith and love. I loved how the author slowly built the ties with the Barrington family and then what she touched on with the religious aspects. It does touch base with the Latter Day Saint faith but its not heavy no more than any other Christian based book and I think non Latter Day Saints will appreciate this story and this series and the journey I know that is ahead for them. I have a feeling more historical relevance will be in later books.

What I Struggled With
The romance starts out pretty slow so some readers may struggle with this one and if you don't read romance on the regular....keep in mind this is a romance. But the writing is very engaging so I think most readers will be drawn into the story easily.

Overall View
In Search of Heaven was a captivating read that digs deep into the heart's desires, a entwined spiritual journey and deeply rooted relationships that will tightens its reigns on your emotions easily.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Inspirational Romance, Historical Romance
Character Types: Man of Wealth, Servant Heroine, Bookish Heroine
Themes: Pining Heroine, Kids/Children, Slow Burn, Tear Jerker
Tropes: Epic Love, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love

Book Perspective
1st POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Gerald Lund
Karen Witemeyer
Sarah M Eden

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.

[Richard Fenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was one of the best books I read . I read it in three days

[Savannah Foisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am somewhat surprised at my 4 star rating. As I read the back of this book, I immediately thought I was going to be bored. Not so. I enjoyed every moment of this series. I found it intriguing to follow the lives of these characters and almost witness what it was like to be introduced to the LDS religion in the 1800's. What that must have been like to endure such joy, pain and heartache as the the Mormon pioneers often did. This book was my bath book. I read it so often while I bathed in the cold winter months. It was such a perfect read in the sense that my emotions were almost always in check, and I was rarely left with a distraught sense of need. I could put the book down, forget about the characters and pick it back up when I was ready and be happy to proceed on learning about these spectacular lives. Sometimes I need that type of book. I don't want to always be so involved in the characters that I can't think straight when it's time to preform a task and put the book down. This was perfect and very inspiring.

[Shannan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would probably give this a 3.5 star rating. I liked the story and feel like I want to invest the time to read the next book. It was a little cheesy, of course it being LDS fiction that seems to go with the territory. And a little predictable, but I liked the main characters and am interested to see what happens next in their lives.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy LDS read.. Predictable. Overly romantic and unrealistic in that way... But quick, easy, enjoyable without too much emotional toil read.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book I love Eleanor and her story totally captivated me in this first book in the Barrington Family Saga.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars very intriguing, March 19, 2008
By Heather M. Bagley "mother_of_three" (Provo, UT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
The main character is Eleanor, who has worked her way from cleaning chimneys and other jobs throughout the Barrington household to scrubbing pots in the kitchen. She loves to read, and goes to town every Wednesday to borrow a book from the local book store. On her way in to town one day she a book that had been left behind in the mud. Knowing that the owner could be long gone, she was advised to keep it as her own. She read the book thoroughly over and over and knew it to be true, to be scripture and vowed that she would some day afford the passage to America where the book had been printed.
Mrs. Barrington died while giving birth to her third child.Mr. Barrington now needed to find a Governess for his two children, to teach them and provide them with compassion and comfort after their mother's death. He asked Mrs. Bixby to bring all eligible women who worked in the household and were literate to come for an interview. She went reluctantly, though knowing that the new position would bring greater wages and indeed a better means to be able to save for passage to America.
Mr. Barrington eventually asked her to marry him, with no promise of love. Telling her that they would all be going to America, it would be a great adventure and he would be a great husband, very loyal and fulfill everything, give her anything. America turns out to be a grand adventure,

I love how at times it gets in to Mr. Barrington's head and he tells us what he is thinking at different points in the book, even though Eleanor is the main character and we are in her head most of the time.

[Mina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upfront: this is LDS chick lit. So if that's not for you, you can stop reading my review.

I never quite know who to express my opinion of books like this. I gave it an honest 4 stars. I really liked it. Heck, I couldn't put it down and read from chapter 2 to the end in one sitting. But I'm not sure that it's what I'd classify as great literature.

In Search of Heaven could almost be described as Jayne Eyre (at its MOST basic plot line) meets Love Comes Softly (more Christian chick lit). The story was predictable and sugary, the characters were fairly simplistic. The good folks are good, the bad ones are bad, the snobby ones are snobby and the hurt ones are hurt. (Well, until the good ones help them learn to let go, and then they don't seem to hurt anymore at all.) Nothing significant that happened was written in a way to bring out any strong emotion in me. Episodes that would have me in tears in some novels didn't even leave me with a stingy nose. And at times I felt like I was reading a transcript from a seminar on having a successful marriage. Granted, it would have been a great seminar, but for novel dialogue (especially set in the 1800s) it seemed a tad stuffy and unrealistic.

But when it comes down to it, I am a sucker for romance, and this was a nice, clean romance. This is the first of a 3 book series, and I'm sure I'll have the other two finished within a week.

[Dlora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read all four books in this Barrington Family series. My favorite was the first book, followed by the last book. This series is reminiscent of the Work and the Glory, following a convert family through the early part of church history; however, Lund spent more time with the actual historical details while Stansfield spent more time with character relationships and development. Her characters were never with the mainstream Mormons, but waiting for the right time to join the Saints as directed by the Lord. Volume 1, In Search of Heaven, starts in England with a young servant girl discovering the Book of Mormon and yearning to gather to America with other people of that faith. The Lady of the house dies in childbirth and surprisingly the young servant girl is asked first to be a governess to the two motherless children and then to marry the Lord of the manor--a business arrangement including moving to America but not love. The series is a nice romance spiced with Mormon doctrine and history. My main complaint is the men sure do cry a lot, particularly once they have been converted to the gospel and the Spirit softens their hearts.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I'd give it 4.5 if I could. I'll admit that I am quite a sucker for LDS romances but this one wasn't all that cheesy or dramatic as some can be. It is a sweet love story intertwined with LDS doctrine and history of the early saints. I thought the author did a great job with character development and really made you feel like you knew the characters in and out!I hope that I can gain some of the Christ-like attributes (and awesome mothering skills) of the main character someday. She definitely made me want to be a better person. I thought the author did a great job of adding sex into the story in a passionate but in a VERY sacred and reverent way. I never felt awkward reading it,and I felt as if helped me understand even more on just how sacred and beautiful the physical relationship between husband and wife is. I love the relationship Mr & Mrs. Barrington have and is a great read for those who may be looking how at how to strengthen their marriage relationship(even though it probably wasn't the intent of the book- I sure learned a lot!)

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

To start, I can't even believe I finished this book. I admit I am all for a happy ending and of course I love when everything goes right; however, that being said, I find it difficult to read a book that has nothing to offer but pure amazing unconflicted love (that doesn't really exsist). Is that saying that I don't think a man and woman can be that happy together, of course not, but it seems "too good to be true". My sister loved all four books in the Barrington Family Saga; however, I have to admit, I would not recomend this book. Unless of course you are in desperate need of one happy, unadventerous book (and I know some people are). I guess my review of the book is overall negative due to the lack of plot, lack of adventure, and the characters were under developed. This is the sort of book that makes one think, "If she can write a book, I can". (By the way, Not true, I can not write a novel.)

[Beth A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is LDS Fiction, or is there a category called LDS Romance? It’s fairly representative of the genre. The main character, Eleanor, is a little too perfect for me, intelligent, sensitive, insightful. Her romantic interest/husband was brooding and good hearted in the end. Her challenges are for the most part brought on by circumstances beyond her control (you know, because she is so perfect). She is searching for the gospel and love.

Some content seemed aimed at a more mature audience. It was more of a doctrinal discussion of the marital relationship than anything inappropriate for anyone mature enough to seek out this book.

The writing was a bit flowery for my taste, but I quit noticing it as I became engaged in the story. I did enjoy this story, it was a quick fun read. The plot was interesting and the ending was wrapped up neatly with more books to go.

[Lorena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Remember Harlequin Romances? This reminded me a lot of those. The main character is poor but pretty much perfect. She has no living family, but she remembers them all very lovingly The first introduction to the wealthy powerful man convinces her he is cold and unloving, but she later has an opportunity to work closer with him and it turns out he's pretty much perfect, too, and by that point he's recently widowed. I wonder where this will lead? Of course to a marriage that works for everybody, but he has told her he can never love her. Which he continues to insist, despite being tender and generous and doting on her every need and teaching her very gently about intimacy in marriage.

Basically I like that I know in reading this that it won't suddenly turn to graphic sex scenes. I like how she inserts Gospel principles and scripture to guide the characters.

[Angee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! The writing style was very different than the other Anita Stansfield books I have read. I didn't even feel like I was reading a cheesy (but very lovable) Stansfield book. I really enjoyed it!

I loved the storyline. I love Eleanor's love for the Gospel (although she doesn't know it yet). Her searching. Her yearning. I love the relationships that have taken place in the story thus far. I love her innocence. And I love Mr. Barrington! What a guy! :)

I did actually learn some more about forgiveness and healing while reading this story, too, which really surprised me. Things I needed to hear at this time. For me, this was an amazing story that kept me turning the pages until the very end.

I can't wait for the next installment in the series!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

My mom lent these to me this past fall. They sat on the book shelf for several months as I wasn't too interested. Then, when I realized my mom would be visiting this spring, I felt guilty and decided to pick them up, read through them, and send them home with her when she comes. I found them quick and easy to read. The topic of marriage and love were addressed beautifully and allowed me time to reflect on my own marriage and to appreciate the love, safety, and trust I feel with my own husband. I also took from this book the power of prayer. I feel it a bit far fetched but at the same time, hope that it's possible to be that in tune with the Spirit and be able to connect with your spouse concerning important decisions in life, after earnest, sincere prayer.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Anita Stansfield book I've read. I was curious to read her work since so many family members read her work. I wasn't disappointed. I really enjoyed her writing aside from the constant reminder that she would insert that "he would never have her heart. Never." Etc. This book for, several reasons, had my heart however. I felt connected to the characters in ways I didn't think I would be. This book had me wondering if I should read a book again since I became "emotionally attached"! Another aspect of the book is just how "good" the people are. Seems a bit too good to be true sometimes but again, the English were so proper that I would tend to believe they were that good. An engaging, romantic read in my opinion.

[Sarah Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Loved, loved, loved this book. But I'm a sucker for a good, clean love story. Its LDS chick lit at its best. I liked how the story moved on without getting too bogged down in each area. I also liked how the author was able to convey things that happened without going on and on (unlike this review- I obviously don't have the authors talents).

I didn't know anything about it going in and just picked it up and started reading. Coming off of 3 mediocre other books (other authors), I didn't have my sights set high. Imagine my surprise when I was drawn in immediately and didn't put it down until I finished. LOVED it and can't wait to read the next in the series. I may even reread it before I have to give it back to the friend I borrowed it from :)

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is start of the Barrington Family story- it starts out with the Cinderella transformation of Eleanore from maid and nanny to wife and mother to James Barrington and his motherless children. Eleanore finds a mysterious book (the Book of Mormon) and finds new faith. The family chooses to immigrate to the United States where she is hopeful she will find more about the church. One of the big plotlines in the book is the couple married for convienence, but finds themselves actually falling in love- gasp!- but each believes the other doesn't care that way- (which shouldn't really be so dramatic I don't think). This was a nice read, but some of it was too sticky sweet for my liking.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this whole book in ONE DAY!!! It was a really sweet and intriguing story. Undeniably cheesy but really good. I really liked the link to church history and the main characters finding and gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I also liked how the principles of what a good marriage can be and what our priorities should be that were so ingrained into the story. I thought, although cheesy, it reflected the real differences in the deepest needs and desires of a man's and woman's heart. Which are sometimes very the same and very different. I was a refreshing easy read. Can't wait to read the next one....after I get some sleep. =)

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid 4 stars from me. Any time I get busted by the kiddos to daddy that all I've done all day is read ;) I know it's a good book. (For the record, I did not read ALL day, but OK, a good chunk of the day). Anyway, the part that makes me sad is that this is a series and I don't know if I will read the next book, here's why: It just seems so darn sad!! I read the first couple of pages and just couldn't go on! However I definatly recommend this book. I never read LDS author's and this is the first Anita Stansfield book I have read. It has interested me enough that I will check out some other books of her's.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books ever. Anita Stansfield isn't one of my favorite authors but this one was fantastic work. I would recommend it to anyone. She wrote it so well that the main characters 22 year age difference wasn't as creepy as it really should have been. Like seriously, when I say it like that, it's very very creepy but in the book it's not. I promise. Did I taint your view on this book? Let's pretend you didn't read the last two sentences. I don't know why this novel was so different from the rest of her novels. To me, it stood out because of its cheesiness being almost non-existent. Very refreshing from an LDS author.

[Marion Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very easy read, not a lot of depth in the writing style, however what is so appealing is how each character speaks to and treats the other, despite what is happening to them. People of faith and in a different book who might be justified in playing games, but becuase they don't, they put each other first. It was a little frustrating waiting for the lead to figure out his what he was feeling all along or to change his definition of what he felt. But a good reminder how to treat those around you.

[Susannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I like to read books that I can just sit back and relax and enjoy. This was one of those books. I also have to admit that I love good clean love stories and I really liked the story in this book. I am waiting for book 4, but have read the first 3 and this one was by far my favorite of the series. I read the 2nd and 3rd because I wanted to know what happens to the characters, but really enjoyed the first book. So, if you are in the mood to just read something that you don't really have to think about or focus on while reading, this is a good one.

[Tonya Leavitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT! Easy and enjoyable; I just kept turning page after page 'til 3am, yikes! Its all about family, marriage, love, and the restored gospel. I liked the sweet and wholesome sexlife of Mr. and Mrs. Barrington. The author was able to add sex into the story in a passionate but reverent way. It was well-done and refreshing from most novels out there. My only complaint is that the characters and circumstances are too perfect. Mr. Barrington is a dream husband, no man is really like that! I guess thats why its called fiction.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as LDS authors go I think Anita Stansfield has always been one of my favorites, of course I haven't read one of her books in probably 12 years, until this one. It was true AS fashion, following the exciting lives of people whom you feel you can relate to, even though they lived oh-so-long ago. This was a cute story and I spent the majority of the book hoping that Elenor and James would come to the realization that they really do love each other. I love lovey-dovey books. Is that cheesy? I don't care.

[Delcie Bushman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all 4 books in this saga and really enjoyed the example of the Barrington family. They had personal struggles that they were able to work through together and with God's help. Even though it was definitely fiction, (no one is that perfect), it did inspire me to be better than I am in my relationship to my family and the Lord.
The book was also another great reminder about what the Saints went through in the early days of the Chruch. I don't ever want to forget their hardships and sacrifices. I also, loved the end of book 4! Perfect ending to their family struggle.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting is during the pioneer days. Eleanor and James live in england and move to america. The writing style of Stansfield is different from what I have read in the past. There is a lot more thinking going on than dialoge. She has a thing about sex in this book. Although she never goes into any detail so it is not bad but there is too much mention of it than I feel comfortable with. Not sure if I would want my teenage daughter to read yet, it does emphasize that sex should be after you are married and it is good between a husband and wife and their relationship.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I can pretty much say that I've loved everything Anita Stansfield has written. This book was no exception! I loved the discovery of love that happened throughout the book and I also loved the experience of missionary work in progress. I love that one woman could live her life and lead such a great example that when she and her husband found a missionary, her husband was able to follow in her footsteps and be open to be taught the gospel. Amazing! I hope to lead such a life! Definitely recommend!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is the first in a series. I can't wait for the next book. It is about a household servent that got promoted to geverness and finally becomeing the lady of the house when she marries the father of the children in her care. They move from England to America. Elenore found a book in the rain and has come to know it is true. Once in America she searches for the church that teaches from this book of scriputre.