"Both novels read like movies, with vivid imagery and witty dialogue that captures a distant era in time. Moreover, the personalities the stories attach to the hymns enable the reader to form a more real connection to the songs themselves. With the elegance of the most seasoned authors, Christine recounts the intensity and artistry that still resound through the hymnals of churches around the world." --Caroline Mitchell, Homecoming magazine
"This is a story about deliverance: deliverance from self-righteousness, from evil, and from a wasted life. Anyone who has gone through bouts of loneliness or hard times, or anyone who has experienced the exultation of being saved from a life of sin will find this book entertaining, insightful, and poignant." --Angela A. Wood, ChristianBookPreviews.com
"Readers of inspirational and historical novels will find this book a gem. I found the book particularly excellent since I now know the story behind my favorite hymn. I promise you won't be disappointed by this historically accurate, gentle story that packs a wallop in terms of describing one man's colorful life in the context of a woman's powerful love." --Jeri Neal, theromancereadersconnection.com
"All I can say is, 'wow.' The Longing Season filled me with wonder...[and] although almost no one has heard of Mary Catlett, almost everyone, whether they know it or not, has heard of [John Newton] the love of her life." --Jocelyn Andersen, thehungryheartsbookreview.com
"It is rare that a second in any series be as good as the first. [But] Schaub weaves a tale of love, commitment and hope as no one else can. The Longing Season was just as entertaining, just as thought provoking, just as captivating as Finding Anna. --Mary, marysworld411.blogspot.com
"The Longing Season is a 'must read,' even if you've never heard a hymn. This has to be one of the great redemption and love stories of all time, and Schaub wove it together so well, I could not put it down even though I knew how it ended." --Karen Wevick, Middle TN Christian Writers
"Though stories of loss and redemption are many, Schaub's turning of phrases and attention to the effect that passions have on people in tragic circumstances evoke a wide array of emotional responses--from laughter to tears--that bring [The Longing Season's] story into the reader's heart." --Nellie Heitman, Foreword Magazine
"[The Longing Season] is a surprisingly engaging fictionalized account of the man who would pen one of the most memorable hymns of all time. Schaub provides the reader with a tale that testifies to the convictions and experiences of a generation long ago..." --Chuck Pope, Infuze Magazine
"There is a long and storied connection between Christian fiction and Christian music... If you want to know the dramas behind the greatest hymns of all time, then Christine Schaub's 'Music of the Heart' series is just for you! The second in the series of historical novels, The Longing Season details the gripping story behind 'Amazing Grace." --Chris Well, CCM Magazine
"Aside from the excellent historical fact that Schaub brings to this compelling novel, the book is also a story of humanity and the willingness to change, love and yearning, goodness and redemption, in the face of adversity. Schaub certainly knows how to hold our attention and bring us inspiration through her elegant and beautiful prose. I give it five stars!" --bookdiva.net
"As a child, I always heard the story of the hymn 'Amazing Grace'...but in her book, The Longing Season, author Christine Schaub tells a story that is far more detailed and intriguing. The Longing Season is the second book in the 'Music of the Heart' series and is a welcome and worthy successor to the first. Four stars!" --Craig Hart, christian-fiction-online
"No fictional story can stand up to this...love story...based on facts. Whether you enjoy Christian romance or not, buy this book [The Longing Season]. You will love it and keep it forever." --Cynthia Whitten, romancereaderatheart.com
"This was an extraordinary read. This author's unique voice, well-written and fast-pace read was a joy making me both laugh and cry. If good things come in small packages, then you are in for a real treat with this...very powerful and poignant story found in Christine Schaub's The Longing Season--the second book in her 'Music of the Heart' series." --Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization, historicalromancewriters.com
"The Longing Season is a wonderful story about John Newton, the author of the age-old hymn Amazing Grace. Tortured, starving, and despairing...an intense storm... The entire book is well written, but the pages describing the storm are pure gold! Good for all readers. An interesting idea for a Christian book club." --Marty Medley, armchairinterviews.com
"The Longing Season brings to life the reason for hymns--the ache of longings and struggles before we can sing of acceptance and joy. This hymn series provides wonderful, true-to-life insights that have me saying, 'I can relate to that.' Excellent writing and inspiring reading." --Marsha Blackburn, Member of Congress
"This well-written and touching tale will appeal to fans of inspirational romance. Recommended. [The Longing Season]" --Library Journal
"I will never again sing 'Amazing Grace' without thanking God for bringing this song into being. Christians, worship leaders, pastors, and homeschool parents will want to read The Longing Season...also a wonderful book for the church library." --Laura V. Hilton, faithwebbin.net
"[The Longing Season] is one of the most amazing stories I've read about the background of a popular hymn. I can barely imagine a man running a slave ship could eventually be redeemed. His story shows that no matter how low man sinks, God can still reach him and clean up his life." --Diana Pederson, bellaonline.com
"Every Chicagoan, Moody student and staff member, music lover, and people impacted by Spafford's soulful hymn cannot help but be personally and spiritually impacted by this well-crafted novel [Finding Anna]." --Delores Liesner, Church Libraries
"Finding Anna is a superbly written and researched story, based on the lives of historical figures. I look forward to additional volumes in the 'Music of the Heart' series." --Melissa Parcel, Bookloons.com
"Christine Schaub has written an excellent book filled with memorable characters, both historical and fictional, and truly capturing the essence of the time period about which she writes. Finding Anna is a real page-turner, a novel that both entertains the mind and inspires the imagination. Four stars! --Craig Hart, CraigHart.net
"Christine Schaub breathes compelling life into this story--the first in her new and innovative 'Music of the Heart' series. The story is gripping and the development of characters and their situations is effective and shows a deft hand. This is a must-read for people who love inspirational historical romances!" --Audrey Lawrence, The Romance Studio
"Schaub's debut in the Music of the Heart series deserves a standing ovation. She has given flesh to historical figures and illuminated redemptive suffering." ««««½ FANTASTIC-Keeper --RT Bookclub
"I eagerly anticipate reading future novels in this interesting series. Hats off to Ms. Schaub for an excellent and well-written behind-the-scenes novel sure to be on many keeper shelves." --Sherri Myers, romancejunkies.com
"This is a deeply religious book, themed primarily around the prodigal son story, and is full of the example of two people who faced heartrending tragedy with a view to always help others, despite their limitations. Finding Anna can be enjoyed as a good novel, but intends to be more than just entertainment." --Heather Hiestand, Romance Readers at Heart
"This was an amazing story! Ms. Schaub is off to a great start with her new series and this is one read that I highly recommend. This is a read that will make you think, but at the same time entertain. This is truly a read that will touch your emotions." --Inspirational Romance Writers
"A book of tragedy and hope, Schaub's Finding Anna is well worth the read. It quietly ignites in the reader a spark of thankfulness and a growing confidence of God's deep peace revealed in the midst of unspeakable heartache." --Kay Tira, Author's Choice Reviews
"Finding Anna is a terrific inspirational historical biographical novel that digs deep into the Chicago Fire, especially the aftermath, through a wonderful ensemble cast, though the Spaffords are the prime players. Readers will appreciate the depth of the tale as Anna suffers from battle fatigue syndrome and her disillusionment with God, while Spafford feels he has found his calling but fails to apply his good deeds at home. Readers will cherish the first MUSIC OF THE HEART tale and look forward to more such stories behind the hymns." --Harriet Klausner, ReviewCentre.com
"Finding Anna wraps a beautiful love story around one of our most loved hymns. It provides readers the opportunity to become aware of the depth of worldly sorrow that enveloped the hymn's writer, and the faith and hope that allowed him to proclaim, 'It is well with my soul.'"
--Marsha Blackburn, Member of Congress
"As a Jewish non-Christian, I found the book quite enjoyable as a story about that period. It's great historical fiction that happens to have a Christian message/theme. Good history, not just good Christian history. Very readable history!" --Barbara Cohen, Irvington Writer's Studio
“Loved your book! I finished it at 1:30 am, knowing I’d be sleep-deprived, but I couldn’t put it down—I tried!” —Evelyn Allen, Nashville, TN
“I really loved the book. It held my attention as I contemplated the unresolved relationships, the mystery, the redemption scenarios. Well done.” —Betsy Yarborough, Ladies of the Club, Franklin, TN
"I have to admit, I was hooked from the start!" --Deb Porter, Editor, FaithWriters' Magazine
