House with a Heart

by Rick Iekel, Patricia Iacuzzi (Illustrator )

Stranded on a remote country road, Jessie and her Native American friend, Rose Mary, seek shelter from a storm in an old abandoned house. But, this house has a past, a spirit and a voice. After a rocky introduction, the house shares the story of its first occupants. This story is the tale of nearly every pioneer family in the rural Town of Ashford, New York. The year is 1848. With only a wagon, a few belongings, two oxen and a cow, Michael and Sarah bring their young family to the recently opened wilderness of Northern Cattaraugus County. This formerly forbidden land of the Seneca Nation was, until recent years, nearly cut off from civilization by the rugged Cattaraugus Creek to the north and the deep forests of tier upon tier of hills and valleys to the south. Follow the story of a real family in a real place at another time in history. Share in their joys and sorrows as they overcome the hardships of the wilderness to begin a new life in a tiny area of Western New York known as “Franktown”.

183 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2017

About the author

Rick Iekel - husband, father of four, grandfather of ten, is retired and writing. During a 28-year career in aviation, writing was a pastime for quiet Sunday afternoons and peaceful summer vacations. Now a love of history and an interest in the ways and lives of the everyday person have drawn our author to write mostly in the genre of historical fiction. Raised on a farm in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, he now resides with his wife in Rochester, New York.

LIFE LINES: A Selection of Poetry Written by Helen Corrigan Iekel. His first effort, Rick honors the poetic efforts of his mother.

The Candles of My Life: In this biography, Rick tells the story of a brave and gentle wife and mother.

House with a Heart: Rick offers the story of the pioneer family that built the house where he grew up in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in Western New York State.

The ROC: Journey thru the 20th Century: During a 28 year career in aviation at Rochester New York's Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, the author was employed by United Airlines as a Customer Service Agent and by the County of Monroe as Assistant Airport Manager, Airport Manager and Director of Aviation. In retirement his research has produced a readable story of the development of Rochester's airport since it inception in 1921. The book content combines factual history with personal antidotes that explain the growth of this airport and methods of operation of any commercial airport. It is an interesting and readable story for anyone involved in aviation.

Reviews

[Henry]

House with a Heart is a beautifully imagined work of historical fiction that blends history, family legacy, and storytelling into an engaging and emotionally satisfying read. Rick Iekel takes a unique approach by framing the novel through an abandoned house that becomes both witness and narrator, allowing the past to unfold with warmth and remarkable authenticity. It is an original concept that immediately sets the novel apart from more conventional historical narratives.

What impressed me most was the author's commitment to capturing the realities of pioneer life without sacrificing the emotional depth of the characters. Michael and Sarah's journey into the untamed wilderness of Western New York is filled with hardship, determination, hope, and sacrifice. Their experiences reflect the resilience of countless families who carved new lives from unforgiving landscapes, and that historical foundation gives the novel a genuine sense of purpose. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the story earns its emotional impact through the quiet victories and heartbreaking losses that define everyday life.

Rick Iekel's background and evident appreciation for local history shine throughout the novel. The setting feels carefully researched and vividly realized, allowing readers to picture the forests, rugged terrain, and isolated settlements with remarkable clarity. The historical details never overwhelm the narrative; instead, they enrich it, making the reader feel connected to both the place and the people who once called it home.

The framing story involving Jessie, Rose Mary, and the mysterious house adds an element of wonder that complements the historical storyline beautifully. It creates a thoughtful bridge between the present and the past, reminding readers that places often carry memories far beyond what we can see. The house itself almost becomes a character, preserving stories that deserve to be remembered.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its sincerity. There is no unnecessary melodrama or exaggerated sentimentality. Instead, the author allows relationships, family bonds, and perseverance to develop naturally, making the emotional moments feel earned. Readers who appreciate character-driven historical fiction will likely find themselves deeply invested in the family's journey.

This is a novel that appeals not only to fans of historical fiction but also to readers who enjoy stories rooted in real communities, authentic human experiences, and the enduring power of memory. Rick Iekel demonstrates that history is far more than dates and events; it is the collection of ordinary lives that together create extraordinary legacies.

House with a Heart is an absorbing, heartfelt novel that honors the pioneer spirit while celebrating family, courage, and the lasting connection between people and the places they call home. It is a rewarding read that lingers long after the final page and one that deserves recognition from readers who appreciate thoughtful historical storytelling.

[Linda]

This book surprised me. It is a riveting story of a house that was built , and land it was settled on in Western New York during the 1800's. The twist is that the narrator is the house itself. The story had me falling in love with the real family that settled a real house as I followed along through the highs and lows (and scares and joys) of their lives. When I was done I read it aloud to my middle and grade school kids. What great discussions about history and traditions we had! I believe everyone will find something to enjoy in this book.

[Susan]

4.5 stars. A delightful story from a unique perspective. This book explores a wide variety of aspects of life for the daring families who settled in the wild areas of Western New New York in the mid-1800s. The characters, both contemporary and historical, took on lives of their own. I both enjoyed the story and felt like I learned something about frontier life... but without ever being lectured.

Definitely worth the read.

[Lori]

What a cute little book. The talking house with a history lesson to impart was a bit juvenile, but Iekel kept it low-key enough that it wasn't too hokey. Nicknamed Arthur by two stranded women, the house recalls his builders, Sarah and Michael, a real couple who moved to their Ashford, NY homestead in 1848. The story is simple but engaging, exhibiting the author's research into early Cattarugus County without being an infodump. The real weight, however, lies in Arthur's symbolic role as a personification of the heritage embedded in old buildings. More than simply a work of historical fiction, House with a Heart is also a call for preservation as a form of cultural memory. As a complementary book, I also recommend Rochester Routes: Tours of Monroe County's Historic Places , which offers an in-depth survey of regional architecture.

The Town of Ashford was formed out of Ellicotville in 1824 but not widely settled for another twenty years.

[Dee Carey]

Unique take on story telling.

This is the only story of its kind I have ever read. I read a great deal, average 7 to10 books a week and never have I had the joy of reading something so different. The author is a rare talent. I look forward to his next as I am certain he will enchant me once again.