What do you think?
Rate this book
Homing
Jane Scarlett is alone. She has no family, no friends, and no home. Destitute, living in a dingy back room in a boarding house, Jane struggles to survive—and to find hope. Then, through a set of unexpected circumstances, she meets Audrey Havenner and gradually begins to believe that life isn't as grim as she had thought.
But it isn't until she meets Audrey's handsome lawyer brother that Jane suddenly finds her life turned completely upside down.
But it isn't until she meets Audrey's handsome lawyer brother that Jane suddenly finds her life turned completely upside down.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1938
84 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
572 books565 followersalso wrote under the pseudonym Marcia MacDonald
also published under the name Grace Livingston Hill Lutz
A popular author of her day, she wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories of religious and Christian fiction. Her characters were most often young female ingénues, frequently strong Christian women or those who become so within the confines of the story.
niece to Isabella MacDonald Alden
also published under the name Grace Livingston Hill Lutz
A popular author of her day, she wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories of religious and Christian fiction. Her characters were most often young female ingénues, frequently strong Christian women or those who become so within the confines of the story.
niece to Isabella MacDonald Alden
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 31, 2017
I need to write a review sometime, but a lazy Friday is not the day for that. I realized reading this childhood favorite, though, that GLH gave me feminist pro-single role models. It was written in 1938-I MEAN, 1938, PEOPLE--and features a shopgirl who first dreams of a single life and home on her own, a middle-aged single professional woman with a great apartment( IN 1938), and a rich girl who wants to stay single rather than marry a jerk. It's amazing. This is why she doesn't set my teeth on edge.
I never noticed before how wonderfully pro-single and feminist GLH is. That seems insane to say about sappy books written in the 1930s about girls who inevitably marry rich men with strong chins and curly hair, but...tis the truth.
I never noticed before how wonderfully pro-single and feminist GLH is. That seems insane to say about sappy books written in the 1930s about girls who inevitably marry rich men with strong chins and curly hair, but...tis the truth.
January 2, 2021
Rating: 4.6 / 5
A perfectly lovely story with which to start off the year, Homing is the story of Jane Scarlett in a rags-to-riches tale. Orphaned and alone, Jane does her best to carry on a new life for herself, working as a button seller in a store and living in a boarded room--the cheapest she can find, as she's saving up to buy a winter coat. Through happenstance and the events that follow her meeting Audrey Havenner, her life begins to change though, and Jane slowly encounters the joys of faith and love.
"Homing" in this sense refers to what Jane learns about God's "mansions" for us in heaven, and how, even if she doesn't have a home here on Earth, Jane feels that at least she has a mansion of her own in heaven to look forward to.
As far as reads from Grace Livingston Hill go, this is one of the tamer ones in that there's not really any action to panic about. There are the jealous love rivals to deal with, of course, but let's just say that they don't pose so much a threat as they do an annoyance, and are easily taken care of by the end. I've seen other comments on Goodreads to suggest that this is a more boring or bland read as far as reads by Hill go and yes, that's kind of true, but sometimes we really do need these calming, easy, light reads to get us through the day--you know, the sort of stories in which nothing bad happens at all, and through which a happy ending is practically guaranteed since the beginning. I understand how this type of book may just not be for some people, but for myself, in my quiet moments, I would like to remember it and, of course, re-read it.
Cheers and blessings to Grace Livingston Hill for my first wonderful read of this year! Looking forward to many more, as always!
A perfectly lovely story with which to start off the year, Homing is the story of Jane Scarlett in a rags-to-riches tale. Orphaned and alone, Jane does her best to carry on a new life for herself, working as a button seller in a store and living in a boarded room--the cheapest she can find, as she's saving up to buy a winter coat. Through happenstance and the events that follow her meeting Audrey Havenner, her life begins to change though, and Jane slowly encounters the joys of faith and love.
"Homing" in this sense refers to what Jane learns about God's "mansions" for us in heaven, and how, even if she doesn't have a home here on Earth, Jane feels that at least she has a mansion of her own in heaven to look forward to.
As far as reads from Grace Livingston Hill go, this is one of the tamer ones in that there's not really any action to panic about. There are the jealous love rivals to deal with, of course, but let's just say that they don't pose so much a threat as they do an annoyance, and are easily taken care of by the end. I've seen other comments on Goodreads to suggest that this is a more boring or bland read as far as reads by Hill go and yes, that's kind of true, but sometimes we really do need these calming, easy, light reads to get us through the day--you know, the sort of stories in which nothing bad happens at all, and through which a happy ending is practically guaranteed since the beginning. I understand how this type of book may just not be for some people, but for myself, in my quiet moments, I would like to remember it and, of course, re-read it.
Cheers and blessings to Grace Livingston Hill for my first wonderful read of this year! Looking forward to many more, as always!
January 14, 2023
Poor Jane is just that...very poor. And all she wants is to hold onto her job and keep from any kind of trouble. The handsome lawyer, Kent, might be just the one to mess that up, with his constant questions. Could life truly become something worth living after all?
Jane is at times too naive for words and very frustrating. At the same time, the way she carefully DOESN'T make assumptions that will get her hopes up too much is perhaps a lesson to us all. I know that I focus a little too much on the future that COULD be rather than to focus on the now that I can make more beautiful just by keeping the faith and making some effort with my surroundings and attitude.
Yes, preachy. But in a way that makes me want to try harder to be a better person.
Edit to add: I still love this book, reading it again 6 years later. My thoughts are still along these lines, but I think I'm more patient with Jane. That she's willing to just enjoy things in the moment is a lesson I still want to learn from this story. I'm not sure I would call this as 'preachy' as I used to. It's funny how we change as time passes, isn't it?
I think that's why I love the books of Grace Livingston Hill so very much. I come away with such an attitude of hopefulness and change, that I really do think I am a better person for having read them. What a beautiful legacy for Grace Livingston Hill to leave us with this body of work!
Jane is at times too naive for words and very frustrating. At the same time, the way she carefully DOESN'T make assumptions that will get her hopes up too much is perhaps a lesson to us all. I know that I focus a little too much on the future that COULD be rather than to focus on the now that I can make more beautiful just by keeping the faith and making some effort with my surroundings and attitude.
Yes, preachy. But in a way that makes me want to try harder to be a better person.
Edit to add: I still love this book, reading it again 6 years later. My thoughts are still along these lines, but I think I'm more patient with Jane. That she's willing to just enjoy things in the moment is a lesson I still want to learn from this story. I'm not sure I would call this as 'preachy' as I used to. It's funny how we change as time passes, isn't it?
I think that's why I love the books of Grace Livingston Hill so very much. I come away with such an attitude of hopefulness and change, that I really do think I am a better person for having read them. What a beautiful legacy for Grace Livingston Hill to leave us with this body of work!
July 19, 2014
One of my favorite things about GLH's novels is her descriptions. I really got a chuckle out of this description of an arrogant young man, "He was so brilliant that some who know him regarded him almost as highly as he regarded himself." Zing!
While many of her characters are stereotypes, and her plots predictable, her novels remain a relaxing, satisfying read. I am always on the lookout for another one that I have never read.
While many of her characters are stereotypes, and her plots predictable, her novels remain a relaxing, satisfying read. I am always on the lookout for another one that I have never read.
February 25, 2016
Sweet As Always
I enjoyed this book as much or more than any I have read of GLH The heroine was humble and dainty as always ;)
I enjoyed this book as much or more than any I have read of GLH The heroine was humble and dainty as always ;)
June 14, 2022
I grew up on Grace Livingston Hill books (she was actually a family friend). But I had not read one of her books in about 30 years. I had remembered them being sweet old-fashioned romances with a spiritual element. Thought maybe I wouldn’t enjoy them as much post-marriage. But they are still just as sweet and the gospel is throughout the book. Not just the message that God loves us and died for us, but the message that He has prepared a future home for us and wants us to live differently in the in-between. What a beautiful glimpse into a different time period (my grandparents time period) where life was simpler (2-3 dress wardrobe) and Godly living was encouraged!
And what better ideals for my daughters as they read about wholesome, God honoring relationships. (Always with a few kinks to work out before the end of the book)
And what better ideals for my daughters as they read about wholesome, God honoring relationships. (Always with a few kinks to work out before the end of the book)
March 24, 2012
Another comfort book to get me through flu/bronchitis.
May 21, 2022
It took me so long to finish this book because i had five other books open at once😅 I really enjoyed this read. I think my favorite aspect of the book is how we have a character named Jane who stays humble throughout the entire book. However, when her antagonist confronts her, she can stand up for herself just fine and win the battle of words. Jane is a modest girl who works as a button saleswoman and lives paycheck to paycheck just to make ends meet. One night she meets a girl named Audrey who changes her life forever. The two soon become the best of friends after only one meeting and begin to become a part of each other's lives. One day, Jane meets a man named Kent who works at law firm at her bible study class and he tells her that she has the potential to claim an inheritance. Kent, a man trapped by a vapid woman named Evadne, soon begins to fall for Jane. He helps her locate what she needs to prove herself the rightful heir to her family fortune- one she never knew she had. One night, Jane is at her new friend Audrey's family home getting to know her family and the life she is accustomed to- it is on this night that she discovers Kent is Audrey's brother. Over time, Jane tries to deny her feelings that Kent could be more than a friend or someone just helping her with legal matters. Kent quickly confesses that he is in love with her and sees her as more than just another client. I was happy with how the story unraveled. In a lot of stories where you have a shy or quiet underdog the character is meek and is often met with an embarrassing mishap or misunderstanding. This character handled herself well and was strong and humble. 😇
September 19, 2020
A typical, yet not in a derogatory sense, Grace Livingston Hill novel. And yes, it would classify in the genre of romance in reading materials. But other than knowing I can read these light novels before bedtime, and even though I know the predictable end of the story, I am always pleased with how the Gospel message is strong in the author's novels. Safe reading and emphasis on good morals and home life situations make this novels worth their time to read.
January 25, 2025
This was a sweet, enjoyable story. I loved Jane and Kent, and the reminder that Christ is preparing a home for His children was well done. There were two girls I did not like, but they didn’t get what they wanted so that turned out okay. And how could Audrey ever stand that arrogant, self-centered boy I'll never know! Glad she got her eyes opened.
I liked how the Christian aspects were woven into the story to make it what it is and not just dropped on top to call it “Christian.”
I liked how the Christian aspects were woven into the story to make it what it is and not just dropped on top to call it “Christian.”
September 21, 2020
A very sweet, old fashioned story. Strong spiritual message and a heartwarming love story.
Although I’m not a Christian, I find GLH’s stories inspiring with a positive message of how what being successful and happy really means.
Although I’m not a Christian, I find GLH’s stories inspiring with a positive message of how what being successful and happy really means.
January 24, 2020
Classic Hill first published in 1938. Jane Scarlett works hard by day at her job in the button counter in a big department store. By night, she has nothing but an airless, dingy third-story room in a smelly boarding house to look forward to going home to. Will she ever get to a more bearable situation in life? If you've read much Hill, you know that things will get better, whether from the inside out or from the outside in.
July 21, 2012
12-29-08: This wonderful rags-to-riches story carries as much inspiration today as it did when it was first published in 1938. Not only does brave, beleaguered Jane Scarlett receive astounding news about her finances, she discovers true riches of faith, friendship...and maybe even true love. This book lifts your heart and captures your imagination. And at page 224, I'm not even done with it yet!
February 25, 2016
Homing Review
This book is for lovers of The Bible & romance. It's probably deemed an Old-Fashioned story of people's different lifestyles. Grace Livingston Hill never disappoints me.
This book is for lovers of The Bible & romance. It's probably deemed an Old-Fashioned story of people's different lifestyles. Grace Livingston Hill never disappoints me.
March 12, 2016
Beautiful and uplifting
I love her work, have read almost all as well as own almost all. This is another wonderful story by this great author that will also draw you closer to Him.
I love her work, have read almost all as well as own almost all. This is another wonderful story by this great author that will also draw you closer to Him.
October 5, 2017
I love Grace Livingston Hill's books, mainly because she writes from a different era. Though the publishers tried to update her books by putting a 70's picture on the front, her stories are still set in the classic Grace Livingston Hill time period, the 30's and 40's. This was a time in our history where life had rules, there was a distinct right and wrong, and classes of people were defined differently than today. Not that it was better, it was just different; unlike our world today where everything is relative to our feelings. The Bible played a major part in people's lives, but the sins of today were going on then too.
Grace Livingston Hill's books always have a beautiful and exciting love story, one where Christians and non-Christians lives collide. I read her books to my 97 year old mother-in-law, Anna, and she relates in a different way than me. I am awed by the way people lived in that time period, and she actually lived in the 30's. When Grace describes clothing of the day, Anna remembers having a dress made out of that material. If I don't understand an idiom of that day, Anna explains it to me. These are wonderful books to share with an older friend or relative. You can read them aloud and not worry that people listening will be shocked by any passages. Instead they will be encouraged.
Grace Livingston Hill's books always have a beautiful and exciting love story, one where Christians and non-Christians lives collide. I read her books to my 97 year old mother-in-law, Anna, and she relates in a different way than me. I am awed by the way people lived in that time period, and she actually lived in the 30's. When Grace describes clothing of the day, Anna remembers having a dress made out of that material. If I don't understand an idiom of that day, Anna explains it to me. These are wonderful books to share with an older friend or relative. You can read them aloud and not worry that people listening will be shocked by any passages. Instead they will be encouraged.
July 1, 2021
HOMING is my absolute favorite by this author!! This for very specific and very "near and dear to me" reasons! I love the way Jane Scarlett's meager circumstances do not repress her ability to be thankful, joyful, appreciative. When things get as desperate as seems possible, God honors Jane's fortitude (and her late mother's prayers) by providing. The romance with Kent is done with special surprise perks as - somewhat like Elizabeth Bennet in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE - Jane honestly doesn't realize what "bewitching" (a word from P & P) is happening within that male character's heart! HOMING has the gospel message in such a straightforward, natural manner, which I admit I felt somewhat differently about in THE SUBSTITUTE GUEST, another of my favorites by Hill, the last time I reread it. Finally, HOMING has the distinction of at least partially inspiring one major aspect of my lead female character in NO DOUBT IT'S LOVE (2019): the financial plight.
January 28, 2024
Finding True Faith
Jane Scarlett is a sweet young woman working at the button counter in a department store. She has very little money, no family, and stayed in a dirty boarding house. Kent Havanner is a young lawyer who has been tasked with finding Jane to verify that she is the true heir to the Scarlett mansion and fortune.
Kent finds Jane at a Bible study class. She is learns more and more about finding true faith and security with Jesus Christ. Kent knows about the Bible, but doesn't knock Jesus. He and Jane study the lessons together . Kent meets the new Bible teacher and invites him to the family's summer retreat. Here Jane, Kent, and Audrey, Kent's sister and Jane's friend learn more from the young preacher Pat.
Jane and Kent find the documents which verify that she is the true heir to the Scarlett estate and fortune. Jane goes from button counter sales girl to owner of a great estate. She knows that God has provided all for her.
Jane Scarlett is a sweet young woman working at the button counter in a department store. She has very little money, no family, and stayed in a dirty boarding house. Kent Havanner is a young lawyer who has been tasked with finding Jane to verify that she is the true heir to the Scarlett mansion and fortune.
Kent finds Jane at a Bible study class. She is learns more and more about finding true faith and security with Jesus Christ. Kent knows about the Bible, but doesn't knock Jesus. He and Jane study the lessons together . Kent meets the new Bible teacher and invites him to the family's summer retreat. Here Jane, Kent, and Audrey, Kent's sister and Jane's friend learn more from the young preacher Pat.
Jane and Kent find the documents which verify that she is the true heir to the Scarlett estate and fortune. Jane goes from button counter sales girl to owner of a great estate. She knows that God has provided all for her.
August 18, 2021
I have always enjoyed reading Grace Livingston Hill’s books, especially when my heart needs a lift. So I was delighted to find an original vintage copy of “Homing” in our local library. Despite the more modern book cover shown in Goodreads, this book was actually written in the 1930’s. Some might call it old-fashioned, but for me, it was a moving story with delightful characters. I also found it interesting to recognize some of the words and phrases used by my own parents who were about the same age as the main characters during that time period and to get a glimpse of what an impoverished young working woman’s life could be back then. Yes, there is a “happily ever after” aspect to the story and it’s ending, but I think we all can use a bit of that every now and then. I’m glad there are many more GLH books for me to read!
April 29, 2018
A wonderfully written
A wonderfully written story of the difference some people are forced to live due to no fault of their own, and yet the training they receive from a parent can help them navigate life with strength and strong character. God is so well presented by this author, I am anxious to see the rest of her work.
A wonderfully written story of the difference some people are forced to live due to no fault of their own, and yet the training they receive from a parent can help them navigate life with strength and strong character. God is so well presented by this author, I am anxious to see the rest of her work.
August 5, 2022
I love Grace
I wonder if she knows how prophetic this book, written in 1938, was? How the "modern" young people looked to the new world order in which children would no longer be hampered by parents would be raised by the state, and nothing but one's pleasure mattered?
And yet the Book of Books shows forth eternal truth to Jane, Kent, Audrey: and this world is not their home.
I wonder if she knows how prophetic this book, written in 1938, was? How the "modern" young people looked to the new world order in which children would no longer be hampered by parents would be raised by the state, and nothing but one's pleasure mattered?
And yet the Book of Books shows forth eternal truth to Jane, Kent, Audrey: and this world is not their home.
June 21, 2024
Once again the main characters and their families are very likeable but the side characters are kind of one dimensional villains. The author seems to have only heroes or villains and nothing in between!
This one is a bit of a Cinderella story in the sense of someone poor coming into an inheritance. It’s nice to see someone having good things happen.
This one is a bit of a Cinderella story in the sense of someone poor coming into an inheritance. It’s nice to see someone having good things happen.
August 12, 2017
Homing by Grace Livingston Hill
Homing. By Grace Livingston Hill
Excellent story for young girls and boys! Beautiful story of Christianity and some of the trials of trying to be Christians!
Homing. By Grace Livingston Hill
Excellent story for young girls and boys! Beautiful story of Christianity and some of the trials of trying to be Christians!
April 3, 2019
Purity at its best
I always love to read Grace’s books. You know just about from the beginning of the book that she loves the Lord. Her books are a breath of fresh air and so sweet and delightful to read. The only problem is they have to end.
I always love to read Grace’s books. You know just about from the beginning of the book that she loves the Lord. Her books are a breath of fresh air and so sweet and delightful to read. The only problem is they have to end.
May 27, 2024
From Never-ending Hardship to Everlasting Joy
This realistic story unfolded in a way that was like real life. It is a true picture of how lives of faith through toil and trouble unfold into unimagined blessings.
This realistic story unfolded in a way that was like real life. It is a true picture of how lives of faith through toil and trouble unfold into unimagined blessings.
February 18, 2025
Homing. one of my favorites
Tenderly and extremely captivating. Grace Livingston Hill is one of my very favorite authors. She loved the beautiful, lovely Jesus and it is expressed in all her writings.
Tenderly and extremely captivating. Grace Livingston Hill is one of my very favorite authors. She loved the beautiful, lovely Jesus and it is expressed in all her writings.
May 18, 2018
Jane Scarlet Comes Home
I loved this book. I loved the plot and how it shows a longing for our heavenly home as well as an earthly one.
I loved this book. I loved the plot and how it shows a longing for our heavenly home as well as an earthly one.
October 4, 2018
So encouraging about our heavenly home!
Loved this book. It is standard Grace Livingston but wonderfully brings out the magnificence of the word of God and eternity.
Loved this book. It is standard Grace Livingston but wonderfully brings out the magnificence of the word of God and eternity.
June 9, 2019
Great reading
I love Grace Livingston Hill's books. She always has the plan of salvation in each book. I would definitely recommend this book
I love Grace Livingston Hill's books. She always has the plan of salvation in each book. I would definitely recommend this book
January 20, 2022
A cozy story from my youth. It’s a rags to riches type story written in 1938. I still enjoy rereading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews