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Did you ever wonder what the true story is behind the classic hymn “It Is Well With My Soul”? Christine Schaub did. And she dug into the story deep enough to develop a play for her church and when an editor heard the story, this book, FINDING ANNA.
Anna Spafford enjoys her life married to lawyer, Horatio Gates Spafford. They have beautiful children, a lovely home, and many friends. When the Chicago fire destroys most of the city, thankfully, Anna and her family were spared great loss, but many others were left homeless and their home was used as a sanctuary for the misplaced. Anna stepped up to the challenge and did what she could to help.
As a lawyer, Gates saw his opportunity to minister in more tangible ways. He built homes. But unfortunately, this took him away from his family for hours. Anna is lonely but doesn’t know how to tell Gates. When Anna finally reaches the end of her rope a near tragedy brings her back home.
The Spafford family has many more hardships to face in their lives, bringing both Anna and Gates to their knees time and again. Sometimes it seems as though God didn’t care for them at all. Will they be able to maintain their faith in God and each other when they face the greatest tragedy of their lives?
I found FINDING ANNA an interesting read. I knew part of the story behind this hymn, but I didn’t know the whole story. Ms. Schaub was able to weave the tale into a good book, and the readers are able to grow to care for Anna, Gates, their children, and friends.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who doesn’t know the stories behind the hymn. There are several other books coming out by this author based on other well-known hymns.
Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton
for The Road to Romance
November 8, 2005
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