Where the Heart Is

Americana #1

by Robin Lee Hatcher

HOMESTEAD, IDAHO TERRITORY - 1880

It was the kind of place where families gathered together for church picnics and barn dances, where neighbors helped each other through good times and bad, the kind of place where a woman with no home and no kin could make a fresh start.

For spinster Addie Sherwood, a position as the little town's first schoolteacher also meant a chance to escape a loveless marriage of convenience. But within days of her arrival she found herself receiving yet another proposal, this time from handsome rancher Will Rider. Will was everything she'd always wanted in a man-strong, smart, and heart-stoppingly sensual -- but she vowed she would not accept his offer until she was sure he really loved her. For her dream of a new life would turn to ashes unless Will believed, as she did, that home is where the heart is.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Christian Fiction

440 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1993

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.

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Reviews

[Ririn Aziz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.85 stars

I've been searching for this particular book for more than 20 years. I've got Rose's and Sarah's stories, but Addie's were never found. I was curious since she was mentioned in the other books in the series. During that time, English novels were not easy to get. You would be lucky to found all the books in the series or any of your favorite authors. They just came randomly.

For some stories, they have lost the spark as the time go by as they usually felt outdated. But I could vouch that this one still good to read. I've become a fan of Ms Hatcher because of this series. It's just Will Rider's foolishness really gritted my teeth. Thanks Robert for knocking some sense into his head (literally hahaha).

Since I'm still in the mood, maybe will reread the other two before going on to the last one (also recently found).

p/s - I think this was the last romance series before RLH turned to the christian/inspirational literature

[Karuna Antony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it overall and was able to read it much faster than I normally do. I was anxious to know the end result, but it was predictable.

[Mimilikestoreadandwrite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the french version of this a long, long time ago. This is one of the first historical romance books I ever read. I like the writing, the pace, the different point of views (almost every single character gets to shine at some point or another). I like a nice Other Man who ends up saving the day, multiple times. The close knit community is a nice touch. To be honest, while the romance between the hero and heroine is central to the plot, this book to me really is about the setting and the atmosphere. You end up caring for that little town and every one of its inhabitants.
There's a tragedy towards the end, that gets you to realize the stakes of the story: this story is taking place in a time and place where people had to fight for their survival at a different level than what we know in present times.

[Abeid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago as a high school freshman. It's one of the few novels that made me fall in love with storytelling. I knew I wanted to make others feel the same way this book made feel. A beautiful, timeless story set in the country, at a time I can only wish to have lived.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, almost predictable, but good.

[Cassandra]

One of my favorites. Couldn't put it down. A must read for all romance readers!