Heathersleigh Homecoming

Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall #3

by Michael R. Phillips

With Europe embroiled in war, Amanda continues her race to the safety of home.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Fiction

429 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

Librarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.

Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.

Reviews

[Tracy]

One of Michael Phillips best books ever. After reading this book I adjusted my vacation plans to visit one of the villages this novel was set in. I am so glad I did.

[Laurie]

This book was a study in contrasts. There were some twists and turns that made me think I had hit a winner. Then there was a fairly long stretch that was so tedious, I questioned whether I could even finish it. Toward the end of the book, WW I was ramping up and it's pretty intense, then comes an unbelievable part where spies are being cornered and Winston Churchill brings the central character along on this arrest (a 24 year old woman). It was so corny and unbelievable, that even fiction couldn't cover this one. Having read three of this series to mixed/lousy reviews, the final book will not be opened.

[Lisa M.]

I cried.
Yep, I was into it enough to cry.
More than once.
It takes a turn I so didn't want. In fact I kept hoping something would happen to show the thing that happened didn't really happen. Like "surprise!"...but sadly no.
It's probably my favorite book thus far--it's book #3 in the series. Now I'm eager for book #4 if for no other reason than to see if what I wanted to happen in this one happens in book #4! Ha!

[Linda]

Michael Phillips certainly does not waste his time writing nice little novels to wiley away a few hours. Such great truths woven together into wonderful stories that illuminate the human condition and the condition that God wants us to be conformed to. God loves us with an unconditional love and desires above all else to have an intimate relaionship with each of us. Great book. Can't wait to see how God uses these wonderful women in the next book

[Allie Slocum]

I'm hooked and ready to finish the series... after our trip to England.

[Marianne T Gray]

Spiritual Journey

This is one of several books I've read by Michael Phillips, however of all of them this one spoke to me personally. I can only say that each of us whether saved or sinner must take the journey of a prodigal son or daughter. This series and especially this book will help you be reflective on how to best take that journey.

[Linda]

Heathersleigh Homecoming was a great book about forgiveness and prodigals returning home. The series has shifted to focus more on the prodigal daughter instead of the parents, and the insights into how a prodigal may think are thought provoking.

[Kw]

If I could award 4 1/2 stars - - five is near perfection, like Les Miserables - - but this is wonderful. I loved the settings - Grindelwald and Wengen, Switzerland, Vienna and England - and the story is continuing is a fabulous direction. Glad I read the first two, but this really tops them both.

[larry brashear]

Outstanding!

Another exceptional book by Michael Phillips. Filled with spiritual encouragement for our faulty walk in this world. This is a sad evil world but we can make it with the Lord's help.

[Karol]

I loved this book. What does it take for a prodigal to come home? My favorite book in this series.

[Shauna]

Great series exploring family, religion, evolution, WWI, espionage, suffragettes, and more.

[Sara R.]

Wonderful novels set in England during WW1, getting a great history into the bargain.

[Nancy]

I really enjoy Michael R. Phillips books. He writes good stories about people who are trying to be their best. The slant is definitely Christian, which I like. I always hate for his books to end.

[Sheila]

Book #3 of the Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall Series. Excellent:)

[Heidi Morrell]

I was sobbing at several places...laughing at others. I love Phillips' books! :)

[Brandi]

Wow!

[Laurie Sacrey]

Awesome in a line of a great family, keep in mind this a christian book , I loved it, wish it went longer

[Tab]

Every Mother needs to read this

This is one of those books that speaks such a volume of messages, that it is hard to narrow it down. But I have. Because as a mother, whom was estranged from her daughter for a short period, it touched my heart more closely.
This is a vital series of Gods loving messages within these books. If you decide to read any of Mr. Phillips books, please start with this series. It is merely the top of the iceberg as they say, to start your journey into a world of fictional messages of God!

[Audrey]

World War One finds Amanda behind enemy lines and her life in danger. She discovered that the people who had "befriended" her were actually spies and in cahoots with the enemy. As soon as she learned that she knew she had to flee for her life. She finds refuge in Switzerland with a group of spiritual sisters who love and counsel her but the time came for her to eventually leave. Amanda continued to face danger and heartbreak until she returned to the arms of her Heavenly Father. The prodigal had come home.

[Karen]

This third book of the series is the best so far. Amanda ends up in a colossal mess, ends up in the middle of the war, and does lots of self discovery. Mixed into the narrative are interesting life profiles of a group of residents of the Chalet of Hope in the Alps. As with many Michael Phillips books there is plenty of spiritual content that provokes soul searching. This book moves very quickly and makes it hard to put it down. A very good read.

[Angela Colson]

I literally shed tears. Some people don’t like the sermons, quotes, scriptures, etc interwoven throughout the story, but to me it only adds to the characters and moments. I felt so close to the Rutherford family and many of the other characters. I highly recommend the books be read in order. While the book ends with some mysteries being reveled, there is still something out there lingering. My mind is already formulating what those mysteries may be.

[Linda]

This is the story of the Amanda Rutherford’s return home. After several years on her own Amanda’s life has become unbearably difficult and dangerous. She leaves for home by way of Switzerland where she encounters a group of Christian women living at the Chalet of Hope. At the Chalet Amanda is challenged to continue for home in the midst of WWI. As she travels her rogue of a husband is trying to locate her before she can return to England and exposes the spy ring he, his mother and others are a part of.
While Amanda is at the Chalet she hears about a sermon given by Charles Spurgeon. The sermon is adapted for use in this book. Even after all these years and editing Spurgeon’s word still have the power to influence; Spurgeon’s words spoke to the prodigal me.
Michael Philips’ books are entertaining. He also slows down from time to time to do some theology. Sometime we agree. Sometime we don’t. Sometimes his books read me.

[Floyd]

Michael Phillips writes in the tradition of George Macdonald but this book was very detailed and there was a tendency to feel bogged down at points. Yet good spiritual lessons. My wife Joyce and I read this together.

[Karen]

Amanda comes home, but will it be in time?

[Kim Ligon]

The war gets closer and Amanda flees evil to the Chalet of Hope in Alps. Lots of action and intrigue, soul searching and sadness.

[Deb]

Third book in the series. I cannot give up this story! FAR too much Christian theology and dilemmas and happiness thru faith ... But the story and historical background keep pulling me in. And, this series piece explains the background of WWI as well as anything I've read...Amanda is in the thick of the Serbian plot to assiasinate the Austrian prince. I continued to skim by all of the God-talk, and kept devouring the intriguing lives and mystery.

Amanda escapes (truly escapes in a thrilling action scenario) to insulation in the Alps from the political and military storms raging across Europe. She lands at the Chalet of Hope and gains refuge and introspection. Unknowingly, she has a secret that her Vienna communist plotters are desperate to secure ... even to the Chalet of Hope. What an intrigue and adventure...I loved it. What a spy scene at the end with the young Winston Churchill.