Finding Anna
by Christine Schaub
Published by Bethany House Publishers
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Reviewed by Jackie Baumgarten
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
Horatio Gates Spafford wrote these words after experiencing the kind of heartache that causes most men to turn away from God. Instead, his unwavering faith blessed generations with this poignant hymn and a story of equal inspiration.
Finding Anna opens with Horatio Spafford, successful lawyer and real estate developer, painfully making his way home through the burning city of Chicago in October 1871. His business holdings have been destroyed, but he finds his home standing, family in tact.
Others aren't as lucky, as death and destruction have claimed property and faith. Using their gifts from God, for the glory of God, Horatio and his wife Anna throw themselves into the rebuilding of Chicago. Horatio finds satisfaction in his role in reconstruction and pleasure in assisting the influential evangelist, DL Moody, with his burgeoning ministry. But Anna is run down and discouraged as she works to provide food and shelter to needy friends and neighbors, supervising the running of the household and the raising of their children and encouraging the broken spirited. At the same time, she is watching her husband grow more involved outside the family.
Horatio, a man of God, realizes he's separated himself from God's greatest gift, his family, and sets about to renew his relationship with his wife and children. An opportunity arises for the Spaffords to go to England, to be a part of DL Moody's ministry, to reconnect as a family and enjoy an extended vacation. They enthusiastically make the arrangements.
At this point the reader feels confident in a "happily ever after" ending. But there is another tragedy that strikes with such devastation it's impossible to imagine recovery.
As the reader closes the book they will be amazed that there really is a "happily every after" ending, even in tragedy. Its source isn't smooth sailing on earth, but is the faith in the redemptive power of Christ.
Tho' Satan should buffet, tho' trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Armchair Interviews says: Good review about a very good book.