What do you think?
Rate this book
The Heart of Home
He asked if he could die on her porch…but instead he brought hope for new life.
Once a wistful romantic, Opal Martin now simply aspires to scrub the remnants of the War Between the States from her tattered life. But when a nearly drowned soldier appears and asks if he can die on her porch, she must guard against the sudden revival of her heart’s hope for love.
Haunted by the war, Tristan Stuart just wants to escape the pain. But when he wakes up at a house that looks too much like home with a woman determined to mend him, he may discover a new life worth fighting for. In order to save the last of what Opal holds dear, will he become the man she needs or let the troubled waters carry him away?
Fans of In His Eyes will also enjoy seeing Ella and Westley again in Opal's story.
Don't miss these other titles from Bestselling Christian Historical author Stephenia H. McGee
Ironwood Plantation Family SagaThe Whistle WalkHeir of HopeMissing MercyThe Liberator SeriesLeveraging LincolnLosing LincolnLabeling Lincoln
Stand Alone TitlesIn His EyesEternity Between Us
Time TravelHer Place in Time
NovellasThe Heart of HomeThe Hope of Christmas Past
Once a wistful romantic, Opal Martin now simply aspires to scrub the remnants of the War Between the States from her tattered life. But when a nearly drowned soldier appears and asks if he can die on her porch, she must guard against the sudden revival of her heart’s hope for love.
Haunted by the war, Tristan Stuart just wants to escape the pain. But when he wakes up at a house that looks too much like home with a woman determined to mend him, he may discover a new life worth fighting for. In order to save the last of what Opal holds dear, will he become the man she needs or let the troubled waters carry him away?
Fans of In His Eyes will also enjoy seeing Ella and Westley again in Opal's story.
Don't miss these other titles from Bestselling Christian Historical author Stephenia H. McGee
Ironwood Plantation Family SagaThe Whistle WalkHeir of HopeMissing MercyThe Liberator SeriesLeveraging LincolnLosing LincolnLabeling Lincoln
Stand Alone TitlesIn His EyesEternity Between Us
Time TravelHer Place in Time
NovellasThe Heart of HomeThe Hope of Christmas Past
160 pages, ebook
Published July 17, 2018
About the author
Stephenia H. McGee
31 books696 followersStephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 14, 2018
This was my first time reading Stephenia McGee. While looking through KU for a historical, I ran across this civil war story and it sounded intriguing. It was! I really enjoyed the authors voice and found myself reading this in one sitting. I do wish she had spent a little more time on the angst between them, but as this is a religious romance (although there isn't much in the book, but that's how it is marketed) I understand why she didn't. If you enjoy Civil War era stories, this one might work for you. 4 stars
September 22, 2024
This was terrible. Third grader level plot, loopholes, flat characters - it had it all. The funniest thing is that romance is supposed to have feeling, but this was as bland as you can imagine. They don't know each other, then we skip to "three weeks later" (I'm not kidding) and there's suddenly feelings? That I'm just not feeling at all..? This book had zero emotion. To think I'be been trying to read romance lately to stay more positive. This wasn't positive. This was just a boring waste of time. I guess I need to be more choosey if I'm going to try genres I've never read before.
September 1, 2024
1865, post-Civil War
Greenville, Mississippi
Very brief story about a mother and daughter stripped of most everything by Yankee soldiers and no men or servants left to help them. Along came two men. One who wants their land and the other a wounded confederate soldier trying to find his way home.
If this were a full book I’m sure more could be included to deepen the story. But for brevity's sake, I’m afraid it flew in what seemed like just a few days.
Sadly, one of the issues with this book was the narrator. Her reading was halting all the way through. It sounded like each sentence was broken up into many sentences with pauses as if a period was there. Very off putting.
I have the other books of this series in audio form with the same narrator. Sigh.
Greenville, Mississippi
Very brief story about a mother and daughter stripped of most everything by Yankee soldiers and no men or servants left to help them. Along came two men. One who wants their land and the other a wounded confederate soldier trying to find his way home.
If this were a full book I’m sure more could be included to deepen the story. But for brevity's sake, I’m afraid it flew in what seemed like just a few days.
Sadly, one of the issues with this book was the narrator. Her reading was halting all the way through. It sounded like each sentence was broken up into many sentences with pauses as if a period was there. Very off putting.
I have the other books of this series in audio form with the same narrator. Sigh.
June 12, 2018
Before this novella, I have not had the chance to read any of Stephania H. McGee’s civil war fiction, so I was thrilled to see this novella in the Timeless Love collection. What better way to get an introduction to an author I haven’t yet gotten to!
And let me say, this will not be my last read by McGee.
In a time of loss (of life, of home, of self-respect), Opal Martin and her mother are facing a decision that will change their lives. With the appearance of two men, Opal must deal with her disappointment with one and her interest in the other.
McGee paints a vivid picture of post-Civil War life in the south when many homes are left bare if at all. Tristan Stuart is haunted by war and loss. His world is bleak without his loved ones in it. Can these two wounded hearts release the trials and traumas to build a foundation of love and future?
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
And let me say, this will not be my last read by McGee.
In a time of loss (of life, of home, of self-respect), Opal Martin and her mother are facing a decision that will change their lives. With the appearance of two men, Opal must deal with her disappointment with one and her interest in the other.
McGee paints a vivid picture of post-Civil War life in the south when many homes are left bare if at all. Tristan Stuart is haunted by war and loss. His world is bleak without his loved ones in it. Can these two wounded hearts release the trials and traumas to build a foundation of love and future?
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 18, 2019
This was a great story! It was perfect for an afternoon read. I love the amount of detail that Stephenia McGee can fit into her stories!
June 9, 2024
The Heart of Home by Stephenia McGee takes place in the south after the Civil War has ended. This new to me author and her novella surprised me in every way! Not only did I adore the characters, but I loved the themes of hope, forgiveness, and starting over.
There is no doubt that the Civil War has taken its toll on everyone and those left are trying to piece back together their lives. Even though this is a novella you still get the sense of the hardships that everyone is facing post-war. Opal Martin and her mother are living alone on their run-down plantation after the loss of Opal's father. I think by now after everything that has happened Opal believes that she will never find love. Instead, she throws herself into taking care of things at home along with her mother. Opal is the kind of heroine that you will immediately like. She is kind, brave, and caring. She doesn't think twice about caring for Tristan Stewart, a wounded soldier who collapsed on her front porch. Tristan is carrying around his own painful past with all he has endured during the war and the loss of his entire family. He is a strong and capable man who has lost his way when it comes to his faith. This is Christian fiction and I for one loved the way that the author handled Tristan's crisis of faith and shows us what the forgiveness of our sins really means.
The romance goes at a faster pace, yet I still feel like it was a believable love story. Opal and Tristain had some really lovely moments together that showcased just how right they were for each other. Their relationship was one that brought much needed light and hope into each other's world. All in all, this was an enjoyable and heartwarming story to read. It also put this author on my radar, and I look forward to discovering more of McGee's books in the future.
There is no doubt that the Civil War has taken its toll on everyone and those left are trying to piece back together their lives. Even though this is a novella you still get the sense of the hardships that everyone is facing post-war. Opal Martin and her mother are living alone on their run-down plantation after the loss of Opal's father. I think by now after everything that has happened Opal believes that she will never find love. Instead, she throws herself into taking care of things at home along with her mother. Opal is the kind of heroine that you will immediately like. She is kind, brave, and caring. She doesn't think twice about caring for Tristan Stewart, a wounded soldier who collapsed on her front porch. Tristan is carrying around his own painful past with all he has endured during the war and the loss of his entire family. He is a strong and capable man who has lost his way when it comes to his faith. This is Christian fiction and I for one loved the way that the author handled Tristan's crisis of faith and shows us what the forgiveness of our sins really means.
The romance goes at a faster pace, yet I still feel like it was a believable love story. Opal and Tristain had some really lovely moments together that showcased just how right they were for each other. Their relationship was one that brought much needed light and hope into each other's world. All in all, this was an enjoyable and heartwarming story to read. It also put this author on my radar, and I look forward to discovering more of McGee's books in the future.
July 17, 2018
"The Heart of Home" by Stephenia H. McGee is a companion novella to In His Eyes. "The Heart of Home" can be read as a stand alone, but, I recommend reading" In His Eyes" first to get the background story.
This novel is a love story that begins in an unusual way, a nearly drowned soldier appears and asks if he can die on her porch.
The 109 pages are filled with lots of twists, like the man who appears on the porch who wants to buy Opal's and her mother's house, but what is his reasoning. I really didn't see this plot turning up the way it did.
The ending was a complete surprise and so really romantic.
I recommend "The Heart of Home" by Stephenia H. McGee to anyone that wants a short clean love story with the hero coming in to save the heroine when least expected. I am including this quote from the story " No, life is not a story,"... "where
every problem is immediately resolved and every couple falls in love and then never has a care in the world."......" But real love is much better. You are stronger for the pain you fight through together, and closer for the wounds you help one another heal. Love isn't without conflict, nor is it without sacrifice. But. my darling, that is the love that seeps all the way into our souls, and has the substance to last."
Doesn't that quote give you goosebumps and make you want to experience that for yourself?
Definitely a five star novel.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author. These opinions are my own.
This novel is a love story that begins in an unusual way, a nearly drowned soldier appears and asks if he can die on her porch.
The 109 pages are filled with lots of twists, like the man who appears on the porch who wants to buy Opal's and her mother's house, but what is his reasoning. I really didn't see this plot turning up the way it did.
The ending was a complete surprise and so really romantic.
I recommend "The Heart of Home" by Stephenia H. McGee to anyone that wants a short clean love story with the hero coming in to save the heroine when least expected. I am including this quote from the story " No, life is not a story,"... "where
every problem is immediately resolved and every couple falls in love and then never has a care in the world."......" But real love is much better. You are stronger for the pain you fight through together, and closer for the wounds you help one another heal. Love isn't without conflict, nor is it without sacrifice. But. my darling, that is the love that seeps all the way into our souls, and has the substance to last."
Doesn't that quote give you goosebumps and make you want to experience that for yourself?
Definitely a five star novel.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author. These opinions are my own.
June 16, 2018
3.5 stars
"In some ways the river was like life. It gave and took of its own volition, with no sense of justice."
The war torn South often extended its casualty list to the living as well as the dead. Tristan Stuart is among many who are grieving the loss of entire families, so when he steps into the swirling waters of a Mississippi river, he seriously considers letting the current deliver him to paradise; instead he wakes up on the front porch of Riverbend Plantation, hearing a gentle voice declare, "Sir, you need tending".
Opal Martin and her mother are barely making ends meet; their once thriving plantation home in sore need of repair, and their future as murky as the waters of the river that flows along their property. Unexpectedly, two men make their presence known; one at the point of death and the other very much alive. Might one of them consider Riverbend as "the heart of home" or must Opal and her mother leave it all behind?
The author has gifted her readers with an insightful reminder that God can truly make all things new and that love runs much deeper than romantic notions often suggest.
I received a copy of this novella from the author. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
"In some ways the river was like life. It gave and took of its own volition, with no sense of justice."
The war torn South often extended its casualty list to the living as well as the dead. Tristan Stuart is among many who are grieving the loss of entire families, so when he steps into the swirling waters of a Mississippi river, he seriously considers letting the current deliver him to paradise; instead he wakes up on the front porch of Riverbend Plantation, hearing a gentle voice declare, "Sir, you need tending".
Opal Martin and her mother are barely making ends meet; their once thriving plantation home in sore need of repair, and their future as murky as the waters of the river that flows along their property. Unexpectedly, two men make their presence known; one at the point of death and the other very much alive. Might one of them consider Riverbend as "the heart of home" or must Opal and her mother leave it all behind?
The author has gifted her readers with an insightful reminder that God can truly make all things new and that love runs much deeper than romantic notions often suggest.
I received a copy of this novella from the author. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
July 25, 2018
Opal fears she's going to be an old maid when two men show up at her door. One is a carpetbagger who wishes to buy her family's plantation; the other is a wounded Confederate soldier in desperate need of care. It's quickly apparent that the carpetbagger is not the man Opal wants. But Tristan ... may just be the man she's been waiting for.
Though this is a novella, I felt like I really got to know and care for the characters, and I appreciated the slow burn romance. While the villain was a bit too over the top to be believable, I very much enjoyed the story.
Disclosure of material connection: I received a complimentary copy of this novella. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Though this is a novella, I felt like I really got to know and care for the characters, and I appreciated the slow burn romance. While the villain was a bit too over the top to be believable, I very much enjoyed the story.
Disclosure of material connection: I received a complimentary copy of this novella. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
June 19, 2018
I just finished this novella and enjoyed the action right from the start. After the Civil War the men had to come home and start trying to live again but Tristan was having a hard time with that. He really couldn’t see a reason to live because he had so much loss. But God, with Opal and her mother’s help saved his life. Troubles and obstacles stood in the way of plans for the future of Opal, her mother and Tristan.
If you like historical fiction with romance and hardships you will enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
If you like historical fiction with romance and hardships you will enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 27, 2019
From another reviewer who stated it very well:
""The Heart of Home" by Stephenia H. McGee is a companion novella to In His Eyes. "The Heart of Home" can be read as a stand alone, but, I recommend reading" In His Eyes" first to get the background story.
This novel is a love story that begins in an unusual way, a nearly drowned soldier appears and asks if he can die on her porch."
If you like historical fiction with a touch of romance, you will like this novella.
""The Heart of Home" by Stephenia H. McGee is a companion novella to In His Eyes. "The Heart of Home" can be read as a stand alone, but, I recommend reading" In His Eyes" first to get the background story.
This novel is a love story that begins in an unusual way, a nearly drowned soldier appears and asks if he can die on her porch."
If you like historical fiction with a touch of romance, you will like this novella.
July 7, 2018
An exciting, clean, fun, easy read! This sweet heartfelt home could easily be read in one sitting, and I almost did. Reading books in this era enlightens one to the disadvantage that young ladies had in the 1800's and especially during the war years. Young Opal who is just barely 18 years old is already considered at risk of becoming an old maid, as she lives alone with her widowed mother. And then, out of the blue, along comes two possibilities, one who thinks he can scam her mother out of the family estate and get Opal to wed at the same time, and one who literally is dying on her back porch in his army uniform after dragging himself out of the nearby river. The author of this delightful novella did a great job of setting the stage for young Opal to be met with and deal with some very difficult decisions in her life.
October 21, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was the perfect length so the story kept on at a good pace and didn't get bogged down by needless details and an abundance of plot twists.
I was expecting it to be during the Civil War but this book actually begins after the Civil War has ended. Tristan lost a lot during the War and doesn't know where to go. When he sees a Plantation house that looks just like his old home, he thinks he is dying and asks Opal to just let me die on her front porch.
Opal is a survivor and won't let that happen. Will she nurse him back to health? Is she desperate to find a husband or will she find her own fairytale romance?
It was a clean, sweet read. Also, apparently Opal's friends Ella and Westley already have their own story, "In Her Eyes".
I was expecting it to be during the Civil War but this book actually begins after the Civil War has ended. Tristan lost a lot during the War and doesn't know where to go. When he sees a Plantation house that looks just like his old home, he thinks he is dying and asks Opal to just let me die on her front porch.
Opal is a survivor and won't let that happen. Will she nurse him back to health? Is she desperate to find a husband or will she find her own fairytale romance?
It was a clean, sweet read. Also, apparently Opal's friends Ella and Westley already have their own story, "In Her Eyes".
September 29, 2023
First of all, the cover is so pretty and sweet I had to dive in. The beginning was a little slow and difficult to get into, and there were a few scenes I wish would've been added to show the fondness grow between Tristan and Opal. Other than that, I really liked this story. It was a sweet quick read. I really liked Tristan's character and the pain he had to sort through before he would allow Opal in, but once he did it was so worth the wait. I also liked how he kicked the braggart to the curb for Opal. Westley and his wife were also very strong side characters and I'm excited to read their story next. Overall, a great romance read that had a strong faith based atmosphere.
August 27, 2018
Another great novel by Stephenia H. McGee
The Heart of Home is the second book I've read by this talented author who is blessed with the gift of being able to dream up stories and make the characters come to life.
In this story just following the Civil War Opal & her mother are barely surviving in their home which is now a non functioning plantation right next to the Mississippi river. The mighty river brings them destruction As well as an answer to their prayers. If you love southern historical fiction As much as I, this book is for you!
The Heart of Home is the second book I've read by this talented author who is blessed with the gift of being able to dream up stories and make the characters come to life.
In this story just following the Civil War Opal & her mother are barely surviving in their home which is now a non functioning plantation right next to the Mississippi river. The mighty river brings them destruction As well as an answer to their prayers. If you love southern historical fiction As much as I, this book is for you!
September 17, 2020
The Heart of Home will hold you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Tristan and Opal until the very end! Stephenia McGee has outdone herself with this novel, she has given readers a book that is well-written, filled it with superb cast of characters, delightful dialogue and a strong plot that bring this read together perfectly! Her characters come to life as you find yourself drawn into their story. The scenes are so strikingly detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that makes you feel like you are one with the story.
August 28, 2018
Teview of The Heart of Home
I enjoyed a continuation ofElla and Wesley’s lives from “In His Eyes” and the continuing and growing friend between Ella and Opal. It seemed obvious that Tristen was meant to be with Opal, but the way their story unfolded was touching and,satisfying ... true lasting live, rather than just physical attraction. I recommend reading Ella’s book first and then Opal’s story. I would give the 2 storied a 5 star recommendation!
I enjoyed a continuation ofElla and Wesley’s lives from “In His Eyes” and the continuing and growing friend between Ella and Opal. It seemed obvious that Tristen was meant to be with Opal, but the way their story unfolded was touching and,satisfying ... true lasting live, rather than just physical attraction. I recommend reading Ella’s book first and then Opal’s story. I would give the 2 storied a 5 star recommendation!
September 6, 2021
Uplifting.
Opal and her mother live in their crumbling plantation home alone. The aftermath of the civil war has left them with little else. Tristan is a confederate soldier who ends up half drowned on their porch waiting to die. Opal nurses him back to health and in return he helps them do some work around their home until he decides his next step. This is an uplifting story of love and faith and the impact of war. Well done.
Opal and her mother live in their crumbling plantation home alone. The aftermath of the civil war has left them with little else. Tristan is a confederate soldier who ends up half drowned on their porch waiting to die. Opal nurses him back to health and in return he helps them do some work around their home until he decides his next step. This is an uplifting story of love and faith and the impact of war. Well done.
January 28, 2024
Before you start this book: decide your scale type. If you want sexual content and that’s how you base feelings, this has none. If you base your feelings on a true sense of the word love and not sex, this book is for you!
I read the 1st book in this set and loved it, so I decided to read this one too! It was sweet, CLEAN, and pulled characters from the first book. I would take a book like this over a heated descriptive romp any time! I loved it! ❤️❤️
I read the 1st book in this set and loved it, so I decided to read this one too! It was sweet, CLEAN, and pulled characters from the first book. I would take a book like this over a heated descriptive romp any time! I loved it! ❤️❤️
January 18, 2019
Another great romance novel...
Another great romantic novel by a gifted author. Tristan and Opal's story begins after the war and is filled with the pain it leaves him and the confusion and uncertainties in her life. Friends from a previous novel come to their aid. If you enjoy a Christian romance that is well edited, you will enjoy this one.
Another great romantic novel by a gifted author. Tristan and Opal's story begins after the war and is filled with the pain it leaves him and the confusion and uncertainties in her life. Friends from a previous novel come to their aid. If you enjoy a Christian romance that is well edited, you will enjoy this one.
August 2, 2020
Love After War
This is my first book that I’ve read by Stephania McGee but it will not be the last! I enjoyed the story of the era after the Civil War and the struggle to get back to normal. The story of Opal & Tristan shows love can blossom through pain of loss & hardships. And in the end, God’s faith will guide you through.
This is my first book that I’ve read by Stephania McGee but it will not be the last! I enjoyed the story of the era after the Civil War and the struggle to get back to normal. The story of Opal & Tristan shows love can blossom through pain of loss & hardships. And in the end, God’s faith will guide you through.
August 18, 2020
A sweet, quick read set in the months following the end of the Civil War. I appreciated the resiliency of the characters as they trusted in God's will, despite the overwhelming loss and devastation they had experienced. I wish the book had been longer to delve deeper into some of the issues the characters were dealing with, but overall, I enjoyed it!
January 5, 2019
My first romance novel
I really enjoyed this book it was so sweet and innocent and yet interesting. I really enjoyed the setting and the background of the characters. I have never really read anything remotely “romance” and I have to say that it was lovely.
I really enjoyed this book it was so sweet and innocent and yet interesting. I really enjoyed the setting and the background of the characters. I have never really read anything remotely “romance” and I have to say that it was lovely.
September 18, 2019
Absolutely beautiful read
This was my first time reading this author. What a wonderful read! I loved everything about this book. I had already read "In his Eyes, which was the first book. I loved reading this follow up book.
This was my first time reading this author. What a wonderful read! I loved everything about this book. I had already read "In his Eyes, which was the first book. I loved reading this follow up book.
February 23, 2020
Good quick read
I would have enjoyed this more as a full novel I think. Great characters, great setting but I wanted a little more development. Always enjoy reading books from this author.
I would have enjoyed this more as a full novel I think. Great characters, great setting but I wanted a little more development. Always enjoy reading books from this author.
March 22, 2021
Tristan and Opal have an unusual beginning to their love story but one that was meant to be. This book shows the hardships of war and how the south had to try to rebuild their lives. It also shows the northern carpet baggers and the dangers that lied with them. I enjoyed this book.
November 15, 2022
A fairy tale... or not..
I loved this story of Opal and Tristan. The tale of a healing love for them both. I liked how they danced around each other about their feelings , not wanting the other to know. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I loved this story of Opal and Tristan. The tale of a healing love for them both. I liked how they danced around each other about their feelings , not wanting the other to know. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
April 27, 2023
great book!
I have enjoyed all of the books but Stephenia so far! I haven’t been able to put them down! I love the history and romance but most importantly the references to Christ and how the characters learn to love and trust him and teach us as readers to grow as well.
I have enjoyed all of the books but Stephenia so far! I haven’t been able to put them down! I love the history and romance but most importantly the references to Christ and how the characters learn to love and trust him and teach us as readers to grow as well.
October 29, 2023
Sweet post Civil War romance is
Stephania H. McGee is a great storyteller. In His Eyes should be read prior to The Heart of Home.
I loved the references to Scripture
in bringing healing to pain. Both of these books are wonderful clean romances.
Stephania H. McGee is a great storyteller. In His Eyes should be read prior to The Heart of Home.
I loved the references to Scripture
in bringing healing to pain. Both of these books are wonderful clean romances.
September 20, 2024
The main characters were likable enough, and the development of the love story was much believable than others I have read about of late. I wasn't fond of the glorification of Confederate soldiers though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews