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A Place Called Home #1
A Place Called Home
As the dim lights of the train station faded, Christine Bennett wondered if she would ever see home again. With the death of her grandfather, Christine experienced a deep loneliness she'd never felt before.
The words of his will rang in her ears: "In the event of my granddaughter's death, everything will go to Vince Jeffers." Jeffers watched her with an evil look that made her shiver.
Now, afraid of what might happen, she was obeying a note she had received saying she was in danger and must leave town immediately.
After escaping to the community of Baxter, Christine begins to piece together a new life. The love she finds there, along with newfound faith, sustains her as she faces the threat of danger.
The words of his will rang in her ears: "In the event of my granddaughter's death, everything will go to Vince Jeffers." Jeffers watched her with an evil look that made her shiver.
Now, afraid of what might happen, she was obeying a note she had received saying she was in danger and must leave town immediately.
After escaping to the community of Baxter, Christine begins to piece together a new life. The love she finds there, along with newfound faith, sustains her as she faces the threat of danger.
252 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
About the author
Lori Wick
91 books1,690 followersFROM THE PUBLISHER:
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
February 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this.
I loved the characters and the story and it had great faith content.
I liked the writing but at times it felt kinda choppy ,but still really enjoyed it 😊
I loved the characters and the story and it had great faith content.
I liked the writing but at times it felt kinda choppy ,but still really enjoyed it 😊
February 18, 2020
This Book is an Amazing!! This book is about a girl named christine who's grandfather just passed away, and she gets a letter from someone telling her she is in danger and she needs to leave. So she hops on a train and meets an amazing family who soon leads her to christ. Christine finds a Husband named Luke. But people are still trying to track her down and kill her. Read this book to find out what happens to Christine.
August 23, 2019
This is one of my favorite Lori wick books😍😍 I absolutely Love Christine's story❤
October 19, 2018
Heart-warming Christian Romance
Let me state upfront that I have read most of Lori Wick’s books and enjoyed them very much. I found this one lurking in my bulging TBR folder and can’t understand how I missed it.
Set in 1887 in Wisconsin, Christine’s beloved grandfather has died. He has brought her up since she was orphaned and is the only family she knows. Leaving home secretly after receiving a warning note about danger, Christine finds herself in a small town; a stranger knowing no-one, and lonelier than she has ever been.
Through circumstances she could have done without, but which turn out to be a blessing in disguise, Christine finds employment and a place to live. She meets her employer’s family and finds acceptance and love with them, but will she be safe from the danger that had threatened her, or will it follow her?
Wick writes as a Christian and her books reflect that, and this one no exception. If reading about Christ and characters praying is objectionable to you, then you will probably not enjoy this book. On the other hand, if you like a good, wholesome story with Christian characters, with some danger and romance then this will fit the bill nicely. Undemanding, but with a reasonable, although predictable (it IS a romance) storyline, natural dialogue, and well-written, this is one of those books I call “comfort reading”, heart-warming.
Let me state upfront that I have read most of Lori Wick’s books and enjoyed them very much. I found this one lurking in my bulging TBR folder and can’t understand how I missed it.
Set in 1887 in Wisconsin, Christine’s beloved grandfather has died. He has brought her up since she was orphaned and is the only family she knows. Leaving home secretly after receiving a warning note about danger, Christine finds herself in a small town; a stranger knowing no-one, and lonelier than she has ever been.
Through circumstances she could have done without, but which turn out to be a blessing in disguise, Christine finds employment and a place to live. She meets her employer’s family and finds acceptance and love with them, but will she be safe from the danger that had threatened her, or will it follow her?
Wick writes as a Christian and her books reflect that, and this one no exception. If reading about Christ and characters praying is objectionable to you, then you will probably not enjoy this book. On the other hand, if you like a good, wholesome story with Christian characters, with some danger and romance then this will fit the bill nicely. Undemanding, but with a reasonable, although predictable (it IS a romance) storyline, natural dialogue, and well-written, this is one of those books I call “comfort reading”, heart-warming.
April 9, 2009
DISCLAIMER:
I promise to be brutally honest with my opinion, but it should not be taken as fact. Any reader should read it for themselves, before they decide if this book has any merit or not. Do not judge this book biased solely on my opinion. If you do, you might miss out on a great read. You never know. It could happen. My review may contain spoilers, but I really strive to be spoiler-free. I borrowed this book from my local library. This book was not suggested to me by the author. I have no affiliation with the author or his/her publisher.
Main Character:
Christine is more of a little girl than a woman, when the story first starts off. This gives a great canvas for character development, however; she seems to stay this naive and trusting little girl until the very end. I did like her as a character, but she kept falling for easy traps. I feel like there could have been more action if she ever fought back, but Wick's strength is in romance and witty banter, not action nor adventure. She was a likable enough character, but I wish that she had more substance to her.
3 out of 5 stars
Evil Antagonist:
Well, there are really two strong evil characters in this book. One is living without Christ in one's heart, which I believe is really pushing the issue. The other is Mr. Jeffers, who is a truly despicable excuse of a man. I really like his character, but he didn't really make much sense like who did he owe so much money to? Wick keeps him one-dimension and doesn't delve into his character for some reason, even though she does several point of views from him throughout the book.
3 out of 5 stars
Minor Characters:
The characters in this book are simply delightful. I love Grandma Em and Silas, especially. I cannot wait to read the second book, because it is about Silas. I found the characters to be endearing and easily likable. I liked Julia even more after hearing her story, although the story is kind of masochistic. Wick, at times, stereotypes her characters, which is not always a great read, to each their own, I guess.
4 out of 5 stars
The Plot:
The story is an interesting one filled with excitement. I like the switching point of views. At times, it seems like there are too many POVs and Wick doesn't really delve into the minor characters' POV very well. She leaves many questions unanswered, not to make the reader reflect. I think that she just "forgot" to finish parts of the story. These exclusions take away from the overall story.
3 out of 5 stars
The Setting:
I really can find no fault in Wick's description of the world in which the characters reside. Her world is beautifully crafted and I love the vivid imagery. I cannot say anything more about it.
5 out of 5 stars
The Dialogue:
For the most part, Wick is really good with knowing what real people say, but at times, the dialogue is stilted or strained. It seems that she is trying to force a character to say something out of character and it just ends up being awkward instead of the mysteriousness or dual sided personality that she is going for. Otherwise than that, she is really true to human speech and her characters.
4 out of 5 stars
Engaging Surprises:
I have to say that this story followed a pretty predictable plot line. Now, that being said, I did find a few surprises. I really liked the identical twin aspect to the story. I did not see that one coming. Someone is murdered, which I did not expect in a Lori Wick book. An evil character tries to rape someone and that "rape" seems really out of character for a guy that just wants to see that someone dead. All in all, not very many good surprises.
2 out of 5 stars
Climax:
The high point of this novel is more like a bump in the road and the ending is rushed. Wick seems to gloss over Christine's situation and makes it brief. I feel like there was no point to the story, except to see a love story blossom out of very imagined danger. She could have done so much with this, but she just lets the story fall flat and lifeless.
2 out of 5 stars
Emotional Response:
I laughed at the funny bits and gushed at the romance slightly. Otherwise than that, I didn't feel for the characters. I also thought that Luke was overbearing and sexist at times. He was right though, Christine was a damsel in distress. She didn't even try to defend herself. She was very much a child.
2 out of 5 stars
Ending:
There wasn't much of an ending. Everything was hurried up and glossed over. It was very predictable and it just seemed like Wick just wanted to get it over and done with after seeing how many pages she wrote. I can quote the exact page when the rush starts.
1 out of 5 stars
The Writing:
I really enjoy Lori's style, which is why I have almost read all of her books. I am very disappointed to hear that she stopped writing novels, because I think even a crappy book written by her is worth reading. This book is not one of her best, but it is not her worst either. These novels are definitly the best Christian Chick Lit.
3 out of 5 stars
The Artwork:
Let's face it: the covers are old and dated. If she revamped her books, she could sell more of them to a younger audience. Her books are for adults, but for some reason, they seem more young adult to me.
1 out of 5 stars
Genre:
This book fits the genre of a Christian romance. There is nothing more to the story here, so look away if you are looking for anything more.
5 out of 5 stars
Title:
I think the title is fitting and Wick ties it into the story beautifully. I see nothing lacking in the title.
5 out of 5 stars
Overall, this book gets 3.7 out of 5 stars for me. I really enjoyed it and thought that it was worth reading. I have said about everything there is to say about this book. I am already reading the second book in the series and bought the third book as well.
I promise to be brutally honest with my opinion, but it should not be taken as fact. Any reader should read it for themselves, before they decide if this book has any merit or not. Do not judge this book biased solely on my opinion. If you do, you might miss out on a great read. You never know. It could happen. My review may contain spoilers, but I really strive to be spoiler-free. I borrowed this book from my local library. This book was not suggested to me by the author. I have no affiliation with the author or his/her publisher.
Main Character:
Christine is more of a little girl than a woman, when the story first starts off. This gives a great canvas for character development, however; she seems to stay this naive and trusting little girl until the very end. I did like her as a character, but she kept falling for easy traps. I feel like there could have been more action if she ever fought back, but Wick's strength is in romance and witty banter, not action nor adventure. She was a likable enough character, but I wish that she had more substance to her.
3 out of 5 stars
Evil Antagonist:
Well, there are really two strong evil characters in this book. One is living without Christ in one's heart, which I believe is really pushing the issue. The other is Mr. Jeffers, who is a truly despicable excuse of a man. I really like his character, but he didn't really make much sense like who did he owe so much money to? Wick keeps him one-dimension and doesn't delve into his character for some reason, even though she does several point of views from him throughout the book.
3 out of 5 stars
Minor Characters:
The characters in this book are simply delightful. I love Grandma Em and Silas, especially. I cannot wait to read the second book, because it is about Silas. I found the characters to be endearing and easily likable. I liked Julia even more after hearing her story, although the story is kind of masochistic. Wick, at times, stereotypes her characters, which is not always a great read, to each their own, I guess.
4 out of 5 stars
The Plot:
The story is an interesting one filled with excitement. I like the switching point of views. At times, it seems like there are too many POVs and Wick doesn't really delve into the minor characters' POV very well. She leaves many questions unanswered, not to make the reader reflect. I think that she just "forgot" to finish parts of the story. These exclusions take away from the overall story.
3 out of 5 stars
The Setting:
I really can find no fault in Wick's description of the world in which the characters reside. Her world is beautifully crafted and I love the vivid imagery. I cannot say anything more about it.
5 out of 5 stars
The Dialogue:
For the most part, Wick is really good with knowing what real people say, but at times, the dialogue is stilted or strained. It seems that she is trying to force a character to say something out of character and it just ends up being awkward instead of the mysteriousness or dual sided personality that she is going for. Otherwise than that, she is really true to human speech and her characters.
4 out of 5 stars
Engaging Surprises:
I have to say that this story followed a pretty predictable plot line. Now, that being said, I did find a few surprises. I really liked the identical twin aspect to the story. I did not see that one coming. Someone is murdered, which I did not expect in a Lori Wick book. An evil character tries to rape someone and that "rape" seems really out of character for a guy that just wants to see that someone dead. All in all, not very many good surprises.
2 out of 5 stars
Climax:
The high point of this novel is more like a bump in the road and the ending is rushed. Wick seems to gloss over Christine's situation and makes it brief. I feel like there was no point to the story, except to see a love story blossom out of very imagined danger. She could have done so much with this, but she just lets the story fall flat and lifeless.
2 out of 5 stars
Emotional Response:
I laughed at the funny bits and gushed at the romance slightly. Otherwise than that, I didn't feel for the characters. I also thought that Luke was overbearing and sexist at times. He was right though, Christine was a damsel in distress. She didn't even try to defend herself. She was very much a child.
2 out of 5 stars
Ending:
There wasn't much of an ending. Everything was hurried up and glossed over. It was very predictable and it just seemed like Wick just wanted to get it over and done with after seeing how many pages she wrote. I can quote the exact page when the rush starts.
1 out of 5 stars
The Writing:
I really enjoy Lori's style, which is why I have almost read all of her books. I am very disappointed to hear that she stopped writing novels, because I think even a crappy book written by her is worth reading. This book is not one of her best, but it is not her worst either. These novels are definitly the best Christian Chick Lit.
3 out of 5 stars
The Artwork:
Let's face it: the covers are old and dated. If she revamped her books, she could sell more of them to a younger audience. Her books are for adults, but for some reason, they seem more young adult to me.
1 out of 5 stars
Genre:
This book fits the genre of a Christian romance. There is nothing more to the story here, so look away if you are looking for anything more.
5 out of 5 stars
Title:
I think the title is fitting and Wick ties it into the story beautifully. I see nothing lacking in the title.
5 out of 5 stars
Overall, this book gets 3.7 out of 5 stars for me. I really enjoyed it and thought that it was worth reading. I have said about everything there is to say about this book. I am already reading the second book in the series and bought the third book as well.
July 20, 2026
Honestly I have so far loved all the Lori Wick books I’ve read so far, but this one was a little I would say different. Not different in a bad way it was just a little choppy and at times confusing with all the scenes and character changes. I obviously started from the beginning but after the drama in the first chapter the book starts to lose plot it kinda just runs through a daily schedule with the family and adding bits of romance here and there. I skipped the middle of the book and went to the end which was pretty easy to catch up on what had happened in the middle.
I really didn’t want this review to sound negative towards Wick because I really enjoy her books especially since my mom will let me read them with less “adult” content in the romance parts.
But other than that the rest of the books were great just thought this one was a little rushed.
I really didn’t want this review to sound negative towards Wick because I really enjoy her books especially since my mom will let me read them with less “adult” content in the romance parts.
But other than that the rest of the books were great just thought this one was a little rushed.
February 6, 2023
This was a quiet love story that hinted at a little bit of mystery. The story offered no unexpected twists and no intrigue. A bit disappointing.
March 13, 2012
Christian "chick lit". I have had this one on one of my several "to read" lists for some time now. Finally got my hands on a copy.
Things I liked: I liked the main character, Christine Bennett. She is an orphaned 19 year old, on the run from the unscrupulous partner of her late grandfather. She is a spunky, independent sort of person with a kind heart. Leading man, Luke Cameron seemed well thought out and decidedly appealing as did all the Cameron's in this novel. They were all people I would enjoy being around.
Things I did not like: Christine, with all her spunkiness and independence was entirely too weepy for my taste. Seemed like every other paragraph where Christine appears so does the word "tears" in describing her state of mind. Not to say she didn't have good reasons for being unhappy. The references to faith and Christianity were a bit more prevalent in this novel than I have come across in other books in this genre. I guess a "less is more" approach is more my speed when it comes to the subjects of faith and belief in my reading material.
This is a "clean read". There is an element of suspense woven into the story line that keeps you involved with Christine as she comes to faith and love in this near turn of the century tale.
Things I liked: I liked the main character, Christine Bennett. She is an orphaned 19 year old, on the run from the unscrupulous partner of her late grandfather. She is a spunky, independent sort of person with a kind heart. Leading man, Luke Cameron seemed well thought out and decidedly appealing as did all the Cameron's in this novel. They were all people I would enjoy being around.
Things I did not like: Christine, with all her spunkiness and independence was entirely too weepy for my taste. Seemed like every other paragraph where Christine appears so does the word "tears" in describing her state of mind. Not to say she didn't have good reasons for being unhappy. The references to faith and Christianity were a bit more prevalent in this novel than I have come across in other books in this genre. I guess a "less is more" approach is more my speed when it comes to the subjects of faith and belief in my reading material.
This is a "clean read". There is an element of suspense woven into the story line that keeps you involved with Christine as she comes to faith and love in this near turn of the century tale.
May 28, 2022
Copyright 1990. In my opinion, the writing style shows that. 32 years ago this book was written. The faith aspect of it was wonderful and I really appreciated the prayers and scripture used throughout. Set in the late 1880s and mostly in Baxter, Wisconsin. The Cameron family takes in Christine during a time when she had no one to turn to.
It had an old-fashion feel about it which I mostly enjoyed. I did get confused a few times about who exactly would be narrating. The POV would switch without notice. I thought there were a lot of characters to try and keep up with as well. And the biggest thing I noticed was how many times the name "Christine" was written. Christine looked out the window, Christine walked to the door, Christine ran down the road, etc...
I read this book as part of the Spring Christian Fictio-thon that Katie from Paperbacks and Ponytails is hosting on her YouTube channel.
This book is for the prompt: Spring Cleaning - A book that has been on my TBR the longest.
I really have had this book a long time. Years and years...lol.
Rating: PG - a stabbing, gun violence
Language: Clean read
Recommend: yes
It had an old-fashion feel about it which I mostly enjoyed. I did get confused a few times about who exactly would be narrating. The POV would switch without notice. I thought there were a lot of characters to try and keep up with as well. And the biggest thing I noticed was how many times the name "Christine" was written. Christine looked out the window, Christine walked to the door, Christine ran down the road, etc...
I read this book as part of the Spring Christian Fictio-thon that Katie from Paperbacks and Ponytails is hosting on her YouTube channel.
This book is for the prompt: Spring Cleaning - A book that has been on my TBR the longest.
I really have had this book a long time. Years and years...lol.
Rating: PG - a stabbing, gun violence
Language: Clean read
Recommend: yes
June 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, I'd say it was a romance/family saga/ a little mystery thrown in. I love how God works everything out in our lives, even the small details. Christine could have ended up anywhere really, but to get involved in this family, was definitely of God.
I think I liked Grandma Em the most. She was a very Godly woman, with lots of wisdom. There were lots of faith running through this book, which I really appreciate.
My only gripe would be, that I didn't think the story really had a proper conclusion - re the mystery aspect. I hope that things will be resolved in the next book, but I suspect not.
This is the first book by this Author that I have read, I am going to read the next in the series. I own this on kindle.
I think I liked Grandma Em the most. She was a very Godly woman, with lots of wisdom. There were lots of faith running through this book, which I really appreciate.
My only gripe would be, that I didn't think the story really had a proper conclusion - re the mystery aspect. I hope that things will be resolved in the next book, but I suspect not.
This is the first book by this Author that I have read, I am going to read the next in the series. I own this on kindle.
February 25, 2022
Lori Wick is one of my favorite Christian fiction authors. I first read her books when I was in my teens and so enjoyed her writing style. This series and The Californians are my favorite. I love this story in how a stranger encounters a wonderful family and they immediately take her in and treat her as one of their own after learning of her terrible circumstances and making a point to note that God organized the encounter. I love the family bond within all the Camerons. Even though I've read these several times, I look forward to continue reading!
February 18, 2023
I enjoyed this! Christine learns she has to flee her home, due to a dangerous man. She hops onto a train and ends up in a small community of Baxter. It's here that she starts a new life.
I hated Vince Jeffers. He was so horrible in the way that he tried to take Christine away from Luke.
I loved the love story between Christin and Luke. I had a good time reading and falling in love with both characters.
All in all, a 5 star read. I think this book is definatly worth the read, even though it's short.
I hated Vince Jeffers. He was so horrible in the way that he tried to take Christine away from Luke.
I loved the love story between Christin and Luke. I had a good time reading and falling in love with both characters.
All in all, a 5 star read. I think this book is definatly worth the read, even though it's short.
June 17, 2016
Good thing these books are quick reads and cost me less than a dollar. I am definitely not a fan of Lori Wick. Her books are all so judgemental of people who don't believe exactly the same way she does and all her main characters are either obsessed with "saving" people or are witnessed to and "saved". The characters are unrealistic and there always seems to be some manufactured crisis that is completely unbelievable.
October 18, 2020
20% DNF
All the characters are flat and boring and there is SO MUCH description of wallpapers, curtains, rugs and more it's as if the plot got lost between the pages of an interior design catalog. Seriously I don't want to read about how wonderfully every room in the house is decorated when scenes only take place in a couple of them!
All the characters are flat and boring and there is SO MUCH description of wallpapers, curtains, rugs and more it's as if the plot got lost between the pages of an interior design catalog. Seriously I don't want to read about how wonderfully every room in the house is decorated when scenes only take place in a couple of them!
July 25, 2022
Mystery, romance, & suspense tied with the thread of the Gospel
I highly recommend this book! Such an enjoyable read that begins with a great story line and escalates with each chapter, making it difficult to put down. The faith-based foundation is what gives strength to the overall theme. Thank you for putting Christ first in your novels.
I highly recommend this book! Such an enjoyable read that begins with a great story line and escalates with each chapter, making it difficult to put down. The faith-based foundation is what gives strength to the overall theme. Thank you for putting Christ first in your novels.
May 15, 2023
What a sweet story. In Lori Wick's A Place Called Home, the main character is running from home after she is warned someone is trying to murder her. It's a very gentle novel and the main character grows closer to God and finds a new family. I really like the explanation the kids in the story give as to why they want to memorize Bible verses. I want to read other novels written by her now!
October 13, 2019
Great book! Couldn't put this one down.
I couldn't put this book down and can't wait to read the next book in the series! Lori Wick brings these characters to life for you and draws you into the story. You won't regret reading this one!!
I couldn't put this book down and can't wait to read the next book in the series! Lori Wick brings these characters to life for you and draws you into the story. You won't regret reading this one!!
April 5, 2022
One of Lori Wick's first novels and this became the anchor for a 4 book series. Turn of the century (1900ish) Wisconsin. A young woman is under the care of a loving grandfather, but his will seems to indicate someone else inherits if she dies. So she runs from home in search of a defender.
May 27, 2026
still a great read
Lori takes the found family genre to a great level in a Christian setting. Warmth of the gospel of God’s love is not disguised but also placed in the plot in a thoughtful manner.
Lori takes the found family genre to a great level in a Christian setting. Warmth of the gospel of God’s love is not disguised but also placed in the plot in a thoughtful manner.
October 6, 2008
This was so cheesy, I could hardly make it through. Too many Bible verses thrown in and I could totally see the whole plot. Really boring!
August 29, 2016
An interesting blend of romance and suspense. However, wide margins, large print, and short chapters led to a lot of wasted space.
December 24, 2019
This is one of my top 5 favorite books! Yes, it's that good!
August 8, 2020
Lori Wick rarely disappoints me
February 27, 2022
Good read
March 31, 2022
Interesting read...the place you call home is based on where your treasures are.
June 13, 2022
I agree with the other 5 star reviews, good characters, good plot, nice Christian drama and romance.
December 30, 2022
I absolutely love this book and this series by Lori Wick. I have read this series multiple times.
August 7, 2023
This was a perfect read for a summer afternoon. I love the scriptures, interspersed, light romance, a bit of mystery, and characters that I cared about
July 30, 2024
1. (A Place Called Home) A Place Called Home
I really enjoyed this story about a woman knowing something wasn’t right and she too off to feel safe and learned about Jesus Christ.
I really enjoyed this story about a woman knowing something wasn’t right and she too off to feel safe and learned about Jesus Christ.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews