Sophie's Heart

by Lori Wick

Lori Wick's Timeless Classic Returns

After the tragic death of his wife, Alec Riley struggles to put his life back together. He and his three children are lost in their grief...until Sophie walks unexpectedly into their lives. Having left her native Czechoslovakia, Sophie has discovered the land which seemed so bright with promise is far from her dream. A highly educated woman, Sophie now finds herself keeping house for Alec and his family.

How can Sophie find peace in her new job? Will God use her gentle spirit to help heal Alec's broken heart?

25 years after its initial release comes this exquisite silver anniversary edition of Lori Wick's bestselling classic, Sophie's Heart (over 350,000 copies sold worldwide).

Get swept up anew in Sophie and Alec's love story with this beautifully bound and foil-adorned keepsake version of one of the most beloved Christian romance novels of all time.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Fiction, Christian Romance, Contemporary, Inspirational

432 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1995

About the author

FROM 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."

Reviews

[Natalie Mishne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this EVERY year, it's a tradition. Timeless story, amazing characters, wonderful lessons, awesome ending. What more could you want?

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was extremely disappointed in this book. I've read one other book by Lori Wick and I really enjoyed it. But this one was way over the top and too much. By the end I couldn't get through it fast enough and I ended rolling my eyes and some of the cheesy conversations. I thought the characters were too sentimental. They cried way too much and too often, they prayed ALL the time. It seemed like there was at least one prayer on every page. I remember there was a time that Sophie and Mr. Riley were at McDonalds and they decided to pray. I just think that is too much praying. The thing that really had me rolling my eyes is towards the end of the story Sophie helps her dying neighbor convert and come unto the Lord. All the lady had to do is say she believes in Christ and say this prayer and she was forgiven of everything and she was saved. I'm a Christian and I think there is more to it than that. I think repenting takes more than just saying you believe and praying.

[Nelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was on my to-read list for a while and I bought it a few months ago, but just now got around to reading it throughly. I actually do like some christian fiction, sometimes I'm in the mood for a clean romance,so the point is I didn't miss the smut, but I did miss a good entertaining plot, the whole book was just about how she baked, cleaned, and in the middle of the book her boss noticed she was a woman and a not-so-dumb one, because she can speak FIVE languages, yeah that's it FIVE, I'll write it again in case you didn't understand F-I-V-E. I'm stressing the fact that she can speak five languages because the author did so too, anyway Alec finds out he's in love with her and they start "dating" and there's also a bunch of kids, and a lot of churchgoing, grocery shopping and blahblahblah, boring! That's all I can say about this book, which is sad because when I begun reading I thought it was rather nice, and because I wasted my money on it
In short this is what the book is all about using the main character's own words, it contains spoilers, read at your own risk.

"(...) Her grandmother telling her to leave Czechoslovakia. Living in Chicago. meeting David and janet. Coming to the living room of this house on Holly Court and seeing the faces of the Riley Children. Meeting Gladys. Falling in love with Alec. Watching Mrs.Kent come to Christ and then Mr.kent a year later.(...)"


This book was just ok, didn't love nor liked it very much, 2 stars because I'm feeling charitable

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another of my favorite books. It is about a woman who moves to the US from Prague in the 1980s. She has to find her place in this country while she works as a house keeper for a family that has recently lost their mother/wife. As with all of Lori Wicks books, it involves a romantic relationship between an man and woman as well as different character's relationship with God. It is uplifting and almost every time I read one of her books I find something that applies to my life right now either my relationship with someone else or my relationship with God. I love most of her books for this reason.

[Rachel Dodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I love the way the story turned out and I enjoyed each of the characters. I felt that they were all well developed and believable. My only real dislike was the length of the story. The edition that I read was over 400 pages long. I really felt like there were a few spots that could've been edited down to shrink it and the story wouldn't have suffered. The content of this book is also extremely spiritual which can be a good thing. Just to let you know this isn't just a clean romance the evidence of Christ jumps right off the page. Overall a great story and I can't wait to read more by Lori.

[Erica Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this re-read (though I honestly cannot recall when I read it the first time . . . certainly pre-GoodReads). I liked how Sophie was portrayed as such a kind soul, one intent on doing the right thing and honouring God with her heart and life, but one who was also very human and struggled with things sometimes.
I also liked Alec, the children, and other people we got to know a bit through this novel. Each of them were touched by Sophie's heart, but more importantly, were touched by God.
I do want to comment on the eventual romance. I think it was written very well . . . it evolved over time, with each person seeking to honour God and establish a relationship built on friendship first.
4.5 stars

[Angie Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF about 95% in - I'm just not comfortable hearing that characters are/aren't being intimate, even if there's no description

[Bekka · Rating 4 out of 5]

My teenage nostalgia has kicked in full force, and Lori Wick is what I craved as a teen. Sophie’s Heart fully satisfied that nostalgia 😂❤️

[Challice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because this is my comfort book. If I'm having a hard time with myself or life circumstances, I tend to gravitate toward this read. It's a Christian romance, but it is so much more.

Sophie is the person I want to be. Her patience and understanding, her faith, it's all precious and inspiring.

It's a lighter read and I always finish it within a day or two. But I always walk away feeling refreshed.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable story of a young woman who emigrates from Czechoslovakia to Wisconsin. After finding a menial job as a dishwasher in a restaurant, a friend she made finds her a job as a live in housekeeper for a widowed gentleman and his three young children. Would sparks fly between Alec and Sophie as she took care of both his home and his children?

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Out of 5
Style of Writing: 1
Originality/Creativity: 3
Character development: 2
Plot development & flow: 2
Enjoyment Factor: 1
Overall Rating: 1

I give this book a one based on the fact that I didn't finish it. I bought this book on my kindle but returned 3/4 of the way through because I really didn't care how it ended and wanted my money back.
This book is about an immagrant named Sophie during the late 1980's who travels to America fulfilling her and her grandmothers life long dream.
In Chicago she meets a woman through church who leads her to a new job as a housekeeper/nanny for a recent widower (the lady's brother).
Sophie moves in an makes herself a fixture in their home and lives and the man eventually begins to fall in love with her.
This book has the stuffs I love but the style of writing just doesn't deliver for me. It's choppy and lacks depth. A would-be somewhat major conflict can occur and the author would more or less drop it the following paragraph. The plot wasn't too original but started strong and could have developed nicely but just didn't.
As I said early I didn't finish the book because I no longer cared how it ended.

[Joy Melville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorite Christian Fiction books. It's the first Lori Wick novel I ever read. I've put it on my 'keeper' shelf in my personal library. This book will be on the list of 'must-reads' for my granddaughters.
Sometimes we see Christian Fiction as either preachy or fake - this is neither. I've seen first hand the kind of grief, survivors guilt, growing love between a child's nanny and her employer (not myself) and am able to see this character-driven story as true to life. It may have some less realistic dialogue between the children but I have to say I've heard some rather over-protected children speak that way.
I have no problem with it and will highly recommend this book to anyone - Christian or non-Christian. But - not my copy - I'm protecting that one with my life. ;0
I read it first when it was released but re-read it this Spring. Just as I'd remembered - it's my favorite Lori Wick book with The Princess a close second.

[Susan Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I have read it so many times that I am on my 3rd copy of it. It tells a story or redemption after pain, of forgiveness and finding your way back to God, and a young woman, far from home, showing the love of Christ in all she does. I wouldn't really call this a contemporary romance, but there is a happy ending. Every time I read it, I cry tears of sadness and tears of joy. A really good book. If you want to know how a courtship should be between two Christ-followers, one with children and a widower, one single and never been married, then this is the book for you.

[Abigail Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh... this was so good. Sophie is so awesome and when she has trouble with her language it is so funny. Now I want to hear Czechoslovakian to see what it sounds like. There are some times when I feel bad for Sophie. Sometimes I wish she would just say something instead up putting up with everything though. I really wish there was a sequel to this book. If there was I would totally read it.

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much for me! I am a practising Christian but could not help rolling my eyes throughout the book.

[ReadingTheDots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie wants to come to America, and when her name comes up on the immigration list, she leaves her native Czechoslovakia, and begins working in a restaurant in Chicago. But she is lonely. One day, she attends a Bible study. She is a believer, and there she meets Janet. Janet's brother is struggling to raise his three children, after the tragic death of his wife, and Janet, knowing of his need, and Sophie's wish to live somewhere more quiet, brings Sophie and the family together. Everyone is nervous about the arrangement, but they agree to give it a try. Their lives are changed forever as they struggle to adjust to the changes life often brings.

This is a wonderful story of love and faith and God's provision. I read this marvelous book many years ago, and have just revisited it again. It is a treasure.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book about 6 times!! Excellent book!!!!!

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Heather Newcomb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thi

[Jessica Lawler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and tender story - I loved the characters, especially Sophie and her heart for the Lord and those He put in her path. A heartwarming story from beginning to end!

[Crystal Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still one of my favorite contemporary romances after all these years. So sweet and wholesome.

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite books. I read it at least once every year. Good sweet story.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Lori Wick book I've read. If her other novels are as good, I can't wait to explore them! I loved the characters, especially Sophie, and especially Sophie's Heart for God. While the outcome may have been a little predictable, the getting there was delicious, one page at a time!

[Reyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful story about a woman who comes into a home to help out a family mourning their wife and mother. I loved reading about Sophie's relationship with God and the peace it brought her. The courtship between two Christians was a great example of how to grow as a couple in God's love.

I read this for PopSugar's 2022 reading challenge prompt: A book set in the 1980s.

[Liza Lehman · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there were moments in the story that tugged at my emotions, I had 2 main issues with this book.

The first was that it reads more like a Christian instructional book on how to respond in difficult situations than a novel. The main character is so nearly perfect that she almost always responds exactly as she should with the perfect amount of patience even in the most stressful situations. The teen girl she cares for is so wise that she often gives her dad just the advice he needs, and she never gets irritated at her emotional siblings. l prefer to read about more "real" people who struggle to overcome their battles.

My second reason for not loving this book was that it moves very slowly. It takes Alec the first half of the book to even notice Sophie. When the romance finally begins, it comes to an agonizing crawl because they both want to do the right thing. During this awkward period, Sophie is constantly misinterpreting Alec's words and actions. They FINALLY figure their relationship out, but I had to force myself to read that far.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book about 20 years ago, & I loved it. I read a lot of novels, mostly Christian fiction. The fact that I still remembered parts of the story, and have thought about it often made me want to read it again. I was very excited when I saw that there was a 25th Anniversary edition, and in my opinion the cover is absolutely beautiful. I was not disappointed re-reading Sophie’s Heart, and I now want to go back & read some of Lori Wick’s other books, as well as possibly re-read some others.
If you never read any other of Lori Wick’s novels, I highly recommend that you read this one as it is such a sweet story.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori Wicj has been a favorite author of mine since I was about 12. I devoured her books as a teenager in the 90’s. When I read this originally all those years ago, I enjoyed it but it wasn’t a favorite back then. It’s been on my reread list for years. I completed an audio reread of this over the last couple of days, and was completely charmed. This is now a favorite of mine by her, and I highly recommend the audiobook as it is narrated by one of my favorite audiobook narrators-Aimee Lily. This book is comforting and relaxing and completely sweet. Love this story and Lori Wick’s books!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've also read this book several times over the years. It is a bit more of an undertaking than The Pricess but still every bit worth it. This is another modern day fiction book that takes place after the mother of the family dies and Sophie, a new immigrant, comes to live with the family. There are many funny parts as Sophie tries to fit into the culture and many serious moments as she tries to help this family with their grief. This book always makes me cry! (in a good way, I love when a book can bring out emotion in a reader). I truly love this book.