"A Home for My Heart" by Anne Mateer - Tells the story of an orphanage in 1910

I was particularly drawn to this story when offered the opportunity to review it because it dealt with orphans and orphanages in 1910. The reason? My mother was raised from the time she was eight until she graduated high school in an orphanage during this same time period. Times were hard then and the plight of children whose family situations made care for the children impossible. 

Sometimes it was the death of the breadwinner. Sometimes it was simply there were too many children to house, clothe, and feed. Sometimes the children were removed from the parental care because of crime and illegal activities.

In A Home for My Heart we have an orphanage struggling to meet the financial burden created by their caring for the boys and girls who have need of a home. As the story unfolds, we learn that Sadie becomes the matron of the home where she was taken in as a child and nurtured because her mother could not keep her. Sadie loves the children and knows the need the deserted or neglected child has to be loved and cared for.

There is a touch of romance in the book. After all, we are dealing with young adults drawn to each other by life's circumstances and mental and physical attraction. The romance is subtle and sweet.

While I usually enjoy Anne Mateer's books, this one was a bit slow getting into even with my own personally vested interest in the subject. As the story unfolded, though, it became more interesting and enjoyable. Just because this book was not a favorite, does not mean it is not good. Quite the contrary. It is a sweet, enjoyable read.

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy by Bethany House a division ofBaker Publishing Group for the purpose of providing an honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own.