A Heart Like Home by Christine Nolfi
Fiction, Contemporary, 319 pages
Published April 16, 2024 by Lake Union Publishing
Finding family is a journey of love, risk, secrets, and healing in a powerful novel by the bestselling author of A Brighter Flame, The Passing Storm, and The Road She Left Behind.
When Nova Doubeck is asked to foster two children, she can’t say no. With her own childhood wounds healed by adoptive parents, Nova understands the rewards of a caring guardian―even an impermanent one. But nine-year-old Henry and his seven-year-old sister, Bella, are more than Nova bargained for.
Combative Henry is at risk of becoming like his abusive father, Egan Croy. Timid Bella, clutching a tin box of treasures, cowers at the slightest noise. Yet Nova gradually earns their trust and affection as they bring unexpected love and joy to her guarded life. Now she can’t help but wonder: How will she stop her heart from breaking when the time comes to say goodbye?
As Egan aggressively battles to regain control over the children, Nova’s protective instincts prove just as fierce. In fighting to save Henry and Bella, she’ll unlock the secrets hidden in their past―and learn more about herself and the true meaning of family than anyone imagined.
My thoughts about A Heart Like Home ~~
(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)
First line—"Spring 1982 - Lights of red and blue flashed through the living room curtains and leaped into the ceiling. Bella's heart jumped."
Oh my gosh! I love this book so much! First of all—Christine Nolfi—when have I never loved her stories? Secondly, this book has a cover that drew me in before I even started reading. It's dark and ominous while also feeling like it's full of love and hope.
I immediately fell for Henry and Bella and just wanted to take care of them, especially that little Bella. What a sweet little person she is. Henry has his good qualities too, it just took Nova some time to break through his shell.
And then there is Nova, living her damaged life, trying to make things a little better for these two little people. No one knew how intertwined their lives were and would become. The hands of fate are very strong in some cases.
This is a story with plenty of drama and suspense, balanced with plenty of love, compassion, and healing. I've love all of Christine's stories and this one is over the top good. I highly recommend A Heart Like Home for a beautiful story that will fill up your heart.
I received a copy of A Heart Like Home via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion of the book.
About the author
Christine Nolfi is the award-winning and bestselling author of fifteen novels, including The Passing Storm, cited by Publishers Weekly as “Tautly plotted, expertly characterized, and genuinely riveting” and gold medal winner in general fiction, International Book Awards. Look for Christine’s 2022 release, A Brighter Flame.
Other works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines, and the award-winning Sweet Lake Series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings.
Earlier works include Second Chance Grill, highly recommended by The Midwest Book Review and Treasure Me, recognized by the Next Generation Indie Awards and Put Your Heart in a Book Awards. The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge was cited by The Midwest Book Review as “Poignant and powerful, as much a saga of learning to survive, heal, and forgive as it is a chilling crime story, unforgettable to the very end.”
A native of Ohio, Christine now resides in South Carolina with her husband and their crazy wheaten terrier, Lucy. For more information, visit www.christinenolfi.com ~ Goodreads
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