Sophie's Heart

by Lori Wick

After the tragic death of his wife, Alec Riley struggles to put his life back together. He and his three children are lost in their grief... until Sophie walks unexpectedly into their lives. Having left her native Czechoslovakia, Sophie has discovered the land which seemed so bright with promise is far from her dream. A highly educated woman, Sophie now finds herself keeping house for Alec and his family. How can Sophie find peace in her new job? Will God use her gentle spirit to help heal Alec's broken heart? From the author of The Visitor and Bamboo and Lace comes a warm contemporary story of God's tender mercies and loving intervention in the life of one family.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Fiction, Christian Romance, Contemporary, Historical Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1995

About the author

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."

Reviews

[Natalie Mishne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this EVERY year, it's a tradition. Timeless story, amazing characters, wonderful lessons, awesome ending. What more could you want?

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was extremely disappointed in this book. I've read one other book by Lori Wick and I really enjoyed it. But this one was way over the top and too much. By the end I couldn't get through it fast enough and I ended rolling my eyes and some of the cheesy conversations. I thought the characters were too sentimental. They cried way too much and too often, they prayed ALL the time. It seemed like there was at least one prayer on every page. I remember there was a time that Sophie and Mr. Riley were at McDonalds and they decided to pray. I just think that is too much praying. The thing that really had me rolling my eyes is towards the end of the story Sophie helps her dying neighbor convert and come unto the Lord. All the lady had to do is say she believes in Christ and say this prayer and she was forgiven of everything and she was saved. I'm a Christian and I think there is more to it than that. I think repenting takes more than just saying you believe and praying.

[Nelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was on my to-read list for a while and I bought it a few months ago, but just now got around to reading it throughly. I actually do like some christian fiction, sometimes I'm in the mood for a clean romance,so the point is I didn't miss the smut, but I did miss a good entertaining plot, the whole book was just about how she baked, cleaned, and in the middle of the book her boss noticed she was a woman and a not-so-dumb one, because she can speak FIVE languages, yeah that's it FIVE, I'll write it again in case you didn't understand F-I-V-E. I'm stressing the fact that she can speak five languages because the author did so too, anyway Alec finds out he's in love with her and they start "dating" and there's also a bunch of kids, and a lot of churchgoing, grocery shopping and blahblahblah, boring! That's all I can say about this book, which is sad because when I begun reading I thought it was rather nice, and because I wasted my money on it
In short this is what the book is all about using the main character's own words, it contains spoilers, read at your own risk.

"(...) Her grandmother telling her to leave Czechoslovakia. Living in Chicago. meeting David and janet. Coming to the living room of this house on Holly Court and seeing the faces of the Riley Children. Meeting Gladys. Falling in love with Alec. Watching Mrs.Kent come to Christ and then Mr.kent a year later.(...)"


This book was just ok, didn't love nor liked it very much, 2 stars because I'm feeling charitable

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another of my favorite books. It is about a woman who moves to the US from Prague in the 1980s. She has to find her place in this country while she works as a house keeper for a family that has recently lost their mother/wife. As with all of Lori Wicks books, it involves a romantic relationship between an man and woman as well as different character's relationship with God. It is uplifting and almost every time I read one of her books I find something that applies to my life right now either my relationship with someone else or my relationship with God. I love most of her books for this reason.

[Rachel Dodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I love the way the story turned out and I enjoyed each of the characters. I felt that they were all well developed and believable. My only real dislike was the length of the story. The edition that I read was over 400 pages long. I really felt like there were a few spots that could've been edited down to shrink it and the story wouldn't have suffered. The content of this book is also extremely spiritual which can be a good thing. Just to let you know this isn't just a clean romance the evidence of Christ jumps right off the page. Overall a great story and I can't wait to read more by Lori.

[Erica Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Angie Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF about 95% in - I'm just not comfortable hearing that characters are/aren't being intimate, even if there's no description

[Bekka · Rating 4 out of 5]

My teenage nostalgia has kicked in full force, and Lori Wick is what I craved as a teen. Sophie’s Heart fully satisfied that nostalgia 😂❤️

[Challice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because this is my comfort book. If I'm having a hard time with myself or life circumstances, I tend to gravitate toward this read. It's a Christian romance, but it is so much more.

Sophie is the person I want to be. Her patience and understanding, her faith, it's all precious and inspiring.

It's a lighter read and I always finish it within a day or two. But I always walk away feeling refreshed.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable story of a young woman who emigrates from Czechoslovakia to Wisconsin. After finding a menial job as a dishwasher in a restaurant, a friend she made finds her a job as a live in housekeeper for a widowed gentleman and his three young children. Would sparks fly between Alec and Sophie as she took care of both his home and his children?

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Out of 5
Style of Writing: 1
Originality/Creativity: 3
Character development: 2
Plot development & flow: 2
Enjoyment Factor: 1
Overall Rating: 1

I give this book a one based on the fact that I didn't finish it. I bought this book on my kindle but returned 3/4 of the way through because I really didn't care how it ended and wanted my money back.
This book is about an immagrant named Sophie during the late 1980's who travels to America fulfilling her and her grandmothers life long dream.
In Chicago she meets a woman through church who leads her to a new job as a housekeeper/nanny for a recent widower (the lady's brother).
Sophie moves in an makes herself a fixture in their home and lives and the man eventually begins to fall in love with her.
This book has the stuffs I love but the style of writing just doesn't deliver for me. It's choppy and lacks depth. A would-be somewhat major conflict can occur and the author would more or less drop it the following paragraph. The plot wasn't too original but started strong and could have developed nicely but just didn't.
As I said early I didn't finish the book because I no longer cared how it ended.

[Joy Melville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorite Christian Fiction books. It's the first Lori Wick novel I ever read. I've put it on my 'keeper' shelf in my personal library. This book will be on the list of 'must-reads' for my granddaughters.
Sometimes we see Christian Fiction as either preachy or fake - this is neither. I've seen first hand the kind of grief, survivors guilt, growing love between a child's nanny and her employer (not myself) and am able to see this character-driven story as true to life. It may have some less realistic dialogue between the children but I have to say I've heard some rather over-protected children speak that way.
I have no problem with it and will highly recommend this book to anyone - Christian or non-Christian. But - not my copy - I'm protecting that one with my life. ;0
I read it first when it was released but re-read it this Spring. Just as I'd remembered - it's my favorite Lori Wick book with The Princess a close second.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this re-read (though I honestly cannot recall when I read it the first time . . . certainly pre-GoodReads). I liked how Sophie was portrayed as such a kind soul, one intent on doing the right thing and honouring God with her heart and life, but one who was also very human and struggled with things sometimes.
I also liked Alec, the children, and other people we got to know a bit through this novel. Each of them were touched by Sophie's heart, but more importantly, were touched by God.
I do want to comment on the eventual romance. I think it was written very well . . . it evolved over time, with each person seeking to honour God and establish a relationship built on friendship first.
4.5 stars

[Susan Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I have read it so many times that I am on my 3rd copy of it. It tells a story or redemption after pain, of forgiveness and finding your way back to God, and a young woman, far from home, showing the love of Christ in all she does. I wouldn't really call this a contemporary romance, but there is a happy ending. Every time I read it, I cry tears of sadness and tears of joy. A really good book. If you want to know how a courtship should be between two Christ-followers, one with children and a widower, one single and never been married, then this is the book for you.

[Abigail Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh... this was so good. Sophie is so awesome and when she has trouble with her language it is so funny. Now I want to hear Czechoslovakian to see what it sounds like. There are some times when I feel bad for Sophie. Sometimes I wish she would just say something instead up putting up with everything though. I really wish there was a sequel to this book. If there was I would totally read it.

[Everydayreader1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie wants to come to America, and when her name comes up on the immigration list, she leaves her native Czechoslovakia, and begins working in a restaurant in Chicago. But she is lonely. One day, she attends a Bible study. She is a believer, and there she meets Janet. Janet's brother is struggling to raise his three children, after the tragic death of his wife, and Janet, knowing of his need, and Sophie's wish to live somewhere more quiet, brings Sophie and the family together. Everyone is nervous about the arrangement, but they agree to give it a try. Their lives are changed forever as they struggle to adjust to the changes life often brings.

This is a wonderful story of love and faith and God's provision. I read this marvelous book many years ago, and have just revisited it again. It is a treasure.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book about 6 times!! Excellent book!!!!!

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Heather Newcomb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thi

[Jessica Lawler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and tender story - I loved the characters, especially Sophie and her heart for the Lord and those He put in her path. A heartwarming story from beginning to end!

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite books. I read it at least once every year. Good sweet story.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Lori Wick book I've read. If her other novels are as good, I can't wait to explore them! I loved the characters, especially Sophie, and especially Sophie's Heart for God. While the outcome may have been a little predictable, the getting there was delicious, one page at a time!

[Nicole Pramik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this novel when it was originally released in the 1990s. Back in the day, I almost exclusively read Christian fiction and looked forward to receiving the latest Christian bookshop catalogue in the mail to hunt for new reads. This novel touched my heart back then with its lovely romance. Unfortunately, somehow my copy got lost along the way, so I decided to get a new version with an updated cover. But is this gentle romance still as sweet at I remember, or has time caused it to leave a bitter taste on my reading palette?

Sophie's Heart, by Lori Wick, is a standalone Christian contemporary romance. Here, readers are introduced to Sophie Velikonja, a young woman who leaves her home in Czechoslovakia at the insistence of her beloved grandmother and seeks a chance at a better life in America. Her bright dreams soon become dulled as she finds herself in a thankless job, going through the motions of a colorless life. Until her path enters the orbit of some new friends. Before long, Sophie accepts a new job as a housekeeper for Alec Riley, a widower with three children who are still in mourning. Sophie is determined to be a hopeful, healing spark in the Riley home. But in doing so, will she find her own lonely heart drawn to Alec's broken one?

First, I must give kudos for this book's complete overhaul in terms of cover and design. Not that I disliked the original cover with its creamy silk background displaying a locket front and center, but this version is more colorful with tasteful foil accents, solid binding, and an attached ribbon book marker. Visually, it's a pretty book to look at.

Diving past the cover, I must say I have a better appreciation for this novel's nuances than I did when I was younger as it navigates the tricky avenue of romantic relationships after the death of a spouse. To the story's credit, Alec and his children's grief is not glossed over, but the way each member of the Riley family handles their feelings is unique to the individual, reflecting how people cope in different ways. Some are constructive, such as Rita and Tory's willingness to open up, and some are more isolating, such as Craig's aloofness and anger. The book never casts judgment but allows its characters to realize that, while grief is good and holding onto memories is important, one cannot eternally dwell in the past. Running alongside this narrative thread are Sophie's own grief through her separation from her grandmother, which serves as a subtle parallel to Alec's more tangible losses. Despite its central theme, through it all, the novel makes sure to offer hope and healing, both to its characters and to readers.

Sophie is an intelligent, hard-working, gentle woman who also isn't afraid to stand up for herself. I enjoyed watching her contend with learning new things, such as expanding upon her English skills and driving, as well as rely upon the truths of Scripture to encourage her throughout her personal struggles. Alec is equally sympathetic and initially depicted as a father who isn't quite sure how to step into the role of a single parent. While he doesn't shirk from his duties, he also uses overtime as a coping mechanism - until kind-hearted Sophie calls him out on it and he realizes he needs to be more of a constant in his kids' lives. The slow-building chemistry between Alec and Sophie feels realistic and takes its time to form a foundation of mutual friendship and trust. Overall, the romance is slow-paced rather insta-love, hushed and tender rather than hurried and forceful. It's well-paced and well-executed, told in an inviting, homespun way.

As a Christian romance, this novel contains a strong faith element that feels genuine and organic to the characters. For Sophie, Bible study, prayer, and pouring out her heart to God come just as natural as breathing, which was great to see. Alec, too, tries to stay spiritually grounded and teaches his kids to do the same. No one here is depicted as too perfect, and in a modern Christian market that tries to downplay its faith component, it was refreshing to revisit an old Christian classic in this regard.

Granted, there were a few tiny details that kept this from being a five star read. While the faith content doesn't try to be subtle, it's sometimes a bit too on the nose and borderline preachy in spots. That's not to say I think Christian books shouldn't present a Gospel message, but stories aren't sermons. While this novel's story doesn't turn into a sermon, there are a few chapters where the faith elements could have had their edges smoothed down a little so they were better integrated into the story as a whole and not feeling like the plot sporadically takes a pause in order to quasi-preach.

Furthermore, there is no central plot. That's to be expected in a romance, where the main characters' relationship and its growth takes center stage. But for me, personally, I like to see a romance grounded in some sort of underlying plot, whether that's a mystery, a shared journey, etc., where characters work together to accomplish a goal and fall in love along the way. Here, the story sometimes reads like a series of vignettes that, while advancing towards an end goal, there isn't anything concrete tying the narrative threads together other than the romance. Likewise, at times there are large portions of text that is just dialogue, and while it flows well, sometimes these moments sacrifice sensory details for characters' conversations. All that being said, none of these "negatives" impacted my enjoyment of the story: they're more of the nitpick variety but are worth mentioning nevertheless.

Overall, Sophie's Heart is a classic staple of 1990s Christian fiction and Christian romance for a reason. It contains a delightful, gentle romance between two broken souls that encourages readers to trust their lives and hearts to Christ as He's the only safe port in the storms of life. Readers of romance looking for something sweet and clean should give this book a try, as it just might touch your heart, too.

Content:
Language - None.

Violence - None. An underlying plot thread is the loss of Alec's wife in a car accident that occurs off-page and the effect it has on the Riley family. Elsewhere, another character is involved in a minor accident but no lasting harm is done. We're told about news broadcasts and articles recounting the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Sophie makes general comments about the fate of some friends and family back in her home country prior to the end of the Cold War (no details are given). The Riley children visit their mother's grave, and a funeral (for a minor character) occurs near the end of the book. Lastly, there are a few mentions of characters battling cancer or other ailments, but nothing is discussed at great length. A few characters do pass away (off-page) from said diseases but others survive.

Sexual Content - None. A woman tells her grandmother that in America, if a woman is kind to a man, it means she wants to have "relations" with him. There are also later, passing references to a married woman's missed period and her suspecting she's pregnant. A man jokingly laments to his wife that, because her due date is their anniversary, he'll have to "make mad, passionate love" to her some other time. Characters exchange chaste kisses and embraces but go no further. The romance element is clean and implications of more intimate connections occur only within marriage. There are general references to teens dating but nothing further occurs. Lastly, on a date, a man tells a woman he has legalistic standards for the women he likes (long hair, skirts only, no makeup, etc.). He assures the woman she's the one, but she kindly turns him down, saying she doesn't agree with his "requirements" and offers encouragement that if that's the sort of woman he desires, God may very well bless him in that way.

[Reyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful story about a woman who comes into a home to help out a family mourning their wife and mother. I loved reading about Sophie's relationship with God and the peace it brought her. The courtship between two Christians was a great example of how to grow as a couple in God's love.

I read this for PopSugar's 2022 reading challenge prompt: A book set in the 1980s.

[Liza Lehman · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there were moments in the story that tugged at my emotions, I had 2 main issues with this book.

The first was that it reads more like a Christian instructional book on how to respond in difficult situations than a novel. The main character is so nearly perfect that she almost always responds exactly as she should with the perfect amount of patience even in the most stressful situations. The teen girl she cares for is so wise that she often gives her dad just the advice he needs, and she never gets irritated at her emotional siblings. l prefer to read about more "real" people who struggle to overcome their battles.

My second reason for not loving this book was that it moves very slowly. It takes Alec the first half of the book to even notice Sophie. When the romance finally begins, it comes to an agonizing crawl because they both want to do the right thing. During this awkward period, Sophie is constantly misinterpreting Alec's words and actions. They FINALLY figure their relationship out, but I had to force myself to read that far.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book about 20 years ago, & I loved it. I read a lot of novels, mostly Christian fiction. The fact that I still remembered parts of the story, and have thought about it often made me want to read it again. I was very excited when I saw that there was a 25th Anniversary edition, and in my opinion the cover is absolutely beautiful. I was not disappointed re-reading Sophie’s Heart, and I now want to go back & read some of Lori Wick’s other books, as well as possibly re-read some others.
If you never read any other of Lori Wick’s novels, I highly recommend that you read this one as it is such a sweet story.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've also read this book several times over the years. It is a bit more of an undertaking than The Pricess but still every bit worth it. This is another modern day fiction book that takes place after the mother of the family dies and Sophie, a new immigrant, comes to live with the family. There are many funny parts as Sophie tries to fit into the culture and many serious moments as she tries to help this family with their grief. This book always makes me cry! (in a good way, I love when a book can bring out emotion in a reader). I truly love this book.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Re-read today and remembered why I didn't like it all that much. There are some sweet moments, but it's not a very well-crafted or well-written book, and it seems like many elements are only included for their "preach factor". Jesus and Christianity are so much bigger and more beautiful than a few tacked-on moral sentiments or a deathbed conversion scene can hope to convey, and while some of the ways the characters lived and/or expressed their faith were more realistic and deep, the incongruities made it hard for me to appreciate the story overall.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many many moon's ago but I still remember it. I might even have to reread it. Its a great story and I remember not being able to put it down. The story line(a bit hard to remember since its been at least 10 years since I read it) was about Sophie who be comes a nanny to three children who's mom has died. The father is still dealing in his grief. Sophie slowly starts to bring love and God back into the family and ends up finding love alone the way.