What do you think?
Rate this book
Hearts Unlocked #3
Of Hearts and Home
When Hugo Davidson is offered the chance to help a school in the cozy community of Crab Orchard, Kentucky, he has no idea that his arrival may upset the one-room teacher's living and risk his carefully mended heart.
Leah Waters, jilted by her fiance six years prior, has carved out a respectable existence. But when a British educator moves to town, she instantly closes her heart to possibilities and her mother's match-making shenanigans. But at what cost? Can she reconcile her growing feelings and love again? Or will the school board's plans derail everything?
Leah Waters, jilted by her fiance six years prior, has carved out a respectable existence. But when a British educator moves to town, she instantly closes her heart to possibilities and her mother's match-making shenanigans. But at what cost? Can she reconcile her growing feelings and love again? Or will the school board's plans derail everything?
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2021
38 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 13, 2022
Sweet Novella!
I wanted to sit down and read but had time enough for less than a full-length novel. Of Hearts and Home definitely was just the right fit. Despite being of novella length, this book packed a lot of quality storytelling into it, with a sweet schoolmarm trying to move past a sad time in her life and a charming British headmaster who was trying to do the same in his own life. While there were some editing issues I noticed as I was reading, the wonderfully redemptive and inspirational narrative kept me eagerly turning pages to reach a very satisfying conclusion. I enjoy discovering new authors and Ann Elizabeth Fryer is a new-to-me author I look forward to reading more from!
I wanted to sit down and read but had time enough for less than a full-length novel. Of Hearts and Home definitely was just the right fit. Despite being of novella length, this book packed a lot of quality storytelling into it, with a sweet schoolmarm trying to move past a sad time in her life and a charming British headmaster who was trying to do the same in his own life. While there were some editing issues I noticed as I was reading, the wonderfully redemptive and inspirational narrative kept me eagerly turning pages to reach a very satisfying conclusion. I enjoy discovering new authors and Ann Elizabeth Fryer is a new-to-me author I look forward to reading more from!
February 2, 2022
I’ve enjoyed Ann Fryer’s previous books, and this novella was a fitting addition to the series while providing something a little different. There was more humor in this story. I chuckled many times while reading. I loved the subtle warfare involving food and baked goods, and the meddling of certain figures in Leah’s love life. It was a nice contrast to the other aspects of suspense and intrigue involving the school board and Leah’s employment. It’s a shorter read, being a novella, but that didn’t keep me from understanding and relating to the main characters and their conflicts. Also, as with her previous books, Ann’s depictions of these prior times in history read as though she experienced them first hand.
Blending love, uncertainty, and humor, Of Hearts and Home captures the feeling of Anne of Green Gables or Little Women—a Currier and Ives nostalgia for small-town life in simpler times balanced with the everyday hardships and imperfect realities of human nature.
—Michael James Emberger, author
Blending love, uncertainty, and humor, Of Hearts and Home captures the feeling of Anne of Green Gables or Little Women—a Currier and Ives nostalgia for small-town life in simpler times balanced with the everyday hardships and imperfect realities of human nature.
—Michael James Emberger, author
June 1, 2023
A gentle travel back in time
Peppered with themes that reflected my own life (village life, boarding school,teacher,immigrant) I felt instantly drawn into this lovely love story. The need to release old hurts and struggles, to be open to knew experiences, the pain of loss and the joy of new love. A very gentle, delightful book!
It left me wanting to know more. The impact of bringing change to a small town, who stepped up when others stepped onward? I love it when I leave a book wanting to stay!
Peppered with themes that reflected my own life (village life, boarding school,teacher,immigrant) I felt instantly drawn into this lovely love story. The need to release old hurts and struggles, to be open to knew experiences, the pain of loss and the joy of new love. A very gentle, delightful book!
It left me wanting to know more. The impact of bringing change to a small town, who stepped up when others stepped onward? I love it when I leave a book wanting to stay!
October 27, 2022
O ma couer😍
I taught many ages and once a class of 40! I was amazed at Bucks confidence and quiet discipline. I agonized when he came to observe her and her humility to be "graded" by him. The whole culture of university in Millington of lectures, sy.phony and dinners on white linen made my heart swell! Finally the humble and courageous teachers still give their all in classrooms today. I loved this story.
I taught many ages and once a class of 40! I was amazed at Bucks confidence and quiet discipline. I agonized when he came to observe her and her humility to be "graded" by him. The whole culture of university in Millington of lectures, sy.phony and dinners on white linen made my heart swell! Finally the humble and courageous teachers still give their all in classrooms today. I loved this story.
February 21, 2025
Beautifully written!
December 6, 2021
Cozy. Autumn. Historical romance. Novella. Of Hearts and Home by Ann Elizabeth Fryer checks every one of these boxes. Of Hearts and Home is part of her Hearts Unlocked series. I had the privilege of reading an early copy and read the whole story in a single Sunday afternoon. It was simply delightful.
The characters were great; I was rooting for Leah the whole time. I loved the setting and the tone. The perfect length, too. Yes, this was one of my favorite novellas of the year. I highly recommend grabbing yourself a copy!
—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
The characters were great; I was rooting for Leah the whole time. I loved the setting and the tone. The perfect length, too. Yes, this was one of my favorite novellas of the year. I highly recommend grabbing yourself a copy!
—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews