In Search of Heaven (Barrington Family Saga, #1) by Anita Stansfield

In Search of Heaven (Barrington Family Saga, #1) Reviews

• 
  Stephanie Elieson

  I wanted to like this book. It was SO cheesy. I'm not a huge fan of Christian romance or LDS romance, but I go to them bc I trust they won't be inappropriate, but this one just disappointed me. The timeline was obviously not sketched out (discrepancies), the dialogue and writing was preachy, not flowing. The points of conflict were ridiculous and even more so in their internal resolve to just-get-along. I kept thinking to myself "whatever". The front introduction goes on and on about Anita's study of human behavior and in particular marriage. Hmmmm. More cheese. It was just too floral, not witty, not enough emotional tugging, no depth of character or feeling (write what they feel not ABOUT what they feel) etc.
  I'm not willing to read more of her work until a friend recommends something on literary merit, because this one fell short.
• 
  Melissa

  I really liked this book by Stansfield. I don't like a lot of her contemporary stuff and her characters seem to cry for pages, but I liked everything about this sweet read. The characters were very good and well written. The main woman character I really got to know because most of the book is told from her point of view. It was a little odd that we got the main man's point of view half way threw the book but I really liked reading his thoughts and feelings and getting to know him better. The story really grabbed me and held on and I couldn't put this one down for long. The love story between the main characters was heart wrenching and beautiful! I loved how the characters were so honest and open with each other and the reality of everything was tangible. These are books geared to LDS audience, but any Christians romance reader could read this first one and not be preached at about this religion. This book mostly focused on the love story and there Christian beliefs. Adult novel. Everything was kept very clean but this couple was married and so sex was involved by not described.
• 
  Savannah Foisy

  I am somewhat surprised at my 4 star rating. As I read the back of this book, I immediately thought I was going to be bored. Not so. I enjoyed every moment of this series. I found it intriguing to follow the lives of these characters and almost witness what it was like to be introduced to the LDS religion in the 1800's. What that must have been like to endure such joy, pain and heartache as the the Mormon pioneers often did. This book was my bath book. I read it so often while I bathed in the cold winter months. It was such a perfect read in the sense that my emotions were almost always in check, and I was rarely left with a distraught sense of need. I could put the book down, forget about the characters and pick it back up when I was ready and be happy to proceed on learning about these spectacular lives. Sometimes I need that type of book. I don't want to always be so involved in the characters that I can't think straight when it's time to preform a task and put the book down. This was perfect and very inspiring.
• 
  Shannan

  I would probably give this a 3.5 star rating. I liked the story and feel like I want to invest the time to read the next book. It was a little cheesy, of course it being LDS fiction that seems to go with the territory. And a little predictable, but I liked the main characters and am interested to see what happens next in their lives.
• 
  Lindsey

  Easy LDS read.. Predictable. Overly romantic and unrealistic in that way... But quick, easy, enjoyable without too much emotional toil read.
• 
  Richard Fenn

  I thought this was one of the best books I read . I read it in three days
• 
  Heather

  This is an amazing book I love Eleanor and her story totally captivated me in this first book in the Barrington Family Saga.
  
  1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
  5.0 out of 5 stars very intriguing, March 19, 2008
  By Heather M. Bagley "mother_of_three" (Provo, UT) - See all my reviews
  (REAL NAME)
  The main character is Eleanor, who has worked her way from cleaning chimneys and other jobs throughout the Barrington household to scrubbing pots in the kitchen. She loves to read, and goes to town every Wednesday to borrow a book from the local book store. On her way in to town one day she a book that had been left behind in the mud. Knowing that the owner could be long gone, she was advised to keep it as her own. She read the book thoroughly over and over and knew it to be true, to be scripture and vowed that she would some day afford the passage to America where the book had been printed.
  Mrs. Barrington died while giving birth to her third child.Mr. Barrington now needed to find a Governess for his two children, to teach them and provide them with compassion and comfort after their mother's death. He asked Mrs. Bixby to bring all eligible women who worked in the household and were literate to come for an interview. She went reluctantly, though knowing that the new position would bring greater wages and indeed a better means to be able to save for passage to America.
  Mr. Barrington eventually asked her to marry him, with no promise of love. Telling her that they would all be going to America, it would be a great adventure and he would be a great husband, very loyal and fulfill everything, give her anything. America turns out to be a grand adventure,
  
  I love how at times it gets in to Mr. Barrington's head and he tells us what he is thinking at different points in the book, even though Eleanor is the main character and we are in her head most of the time.
• 
  Mina

  Upfront: this is LDS chick lit. So if that's not for you, you can stop reading my review.
  
  I never quite know who to express my opinion of books like this. I gave it an honest 4 stars. I really liked it. Heck, I couldn't put it down and read from chapter 2 to the end in one sitting. But I'm not sure that it's what I'd classify as great literature.
  
  In Search of Heaven could almost be described as Jayne Eyre (at its MOST basic plot line) meets Love Comes Softly (more Christian chick lit). The story was predictable and sugary, the characters were fairly simplistic. The good folks are good, the bad ones are bad, the snobby ones are snobby and the hurt ones are hurt. (Well, until the good ones help them learn to let go, and then they don't seem to hurt anymore at all.) Nothing significant that happened was written in a way to bring out any strong emotion in me. Episodes that would have me in tears in some novels didn't even leave me with a stingy nose. And at times I felt like I was reading a transcript from a seminar on having a successful marriage. Granted, it would have been a great seminar, but for novel dialogue (especially set in the 1800s) it seemed a tad stuffy and unrealistic.
  
  But when it comes down to it, I am a sucker for romance, and this was a nice, clean romance. This is the first of a 3 book series, and I'm sure I'll have the other two finished within a week.
• 
  Dlora

  I actually read all four books in this Barrington Family series. My favorite was the first book, followed by the last book. This series is reminiscent of the Work and the Glory, following a convert family through the early part of church history; however, Lund spent more time with the actual historical details while Stansfield spent more time with character relationships and development. Her characters were never with the mainstream Mormons, but waiting for the right time to join the Saints as directed by the Lord. Volume 1, In Search of Heaven, starts in England with a young servant girl discovering the Book of Mormon and yearning to gather to America with other people of that faith. The Lady of the house dies in childbirth and surprisingly the young servant girl is asked first to be a governess to the two motherless children and then to marry the Lord of the manor--a business arrangement including moving to America but not love. The series is a nice romance spiced with Mormon doctrine and history. My main complaint is the men sure do cry a lot, particularly once they have been converted to the gospel and the Spirit softens their hearts.
• 
  Ashleigh

  I loved this book! I'd give it 4.5 if I could. I'll admit that I am quite a sucker for LDS romances but this one wasn't all that cheesy or dramatic as some can be. It is a sweet love story intertwined with LDS doctrine and history of the early saints. I thought the author did a great job with character development and really made you feel like you knew the characters in and out!I hope that I can gain some of the Christ-like attributes (and awesome mothering skills) of the main character someday. She definitely made me want to be a better person. I thought the author did a great job of adding sex into the story in a passionate but in a VERY sacred and reverent way. I never felt awkward reading it,and I felt as if helped me understand even more on just how sacred and beautiful the physical relationship between husband and wife is. I love the relationship Mr & Mrs. Barrington have and is a great read for those who may be looking how at how to strengthen their marriage relationship(even though it probably wasn't the intent of the book- I sure learned a lot!)
• 
  Julie

  To start, I can't even believe I finished this book. I admit I am all for a happy ending and of course I love when everything goes right; however, that being said, I find it difficult to read a book that has nothing to offer but pure amazing unconflicted love (that doesn't really exsist). Is that saying that I don't think a man and woman can be that happy together, of course not, but it seems "too good to be true". My sister loved all four books in the Barrington Family Saga; however, I have to admit, I would not recomend this book. Unless of course you are in desperate need of one happy, unadventerous book (and I know some people are). I guess my review of the book is overall negative due to the lack of plot, lack of adventure, and the characters were under developed. This is the sort of book that makes one think, "If she can write a book, I can". (By the way, Not true, I can not write a novel.)
• 
  Beth A.

  This is LDS Fiction, or is there a category called LDS Romance? It’s fairly representative of the genre. The main character, Eleanor, is a little too perfect for me, intelligent, sensitive, insightful. Her romantic interest/husband was brooding and good hearted in the end. Her challenges are for the most part brought on by circumstances beyond her control (you know, because she is so perfect). She is searching for the gospel and love.
  
  Some content seemed aimed at a more mature audience. It was more of a doctrinal discussion of the marital relationship than anything inappropriate for anyone mature enough to seek out this book.
  
  The writing was a bit flowery for my taste, but I quit noticing it as I became engaged in the story. I did enjoy this story, it was a quick fun read. The plot was interesting and the ending was wrapped up neatly with more books to go.
  
• 
  Lorena

  Remember Harlequin Romances? This reminded me a lot of those. The main character is poor but pretty much perfect. She has no living family, but she remembers them all very lovingly The first introduction to the wealthy powerful man convinces her he is cold and unloving, but she later has an opportunity to work closer with him and it turns out he's pretty much perfect, too, and by that point he's recently widowed. I wonder where this will lead? Of course to a marriage that works for everybody, but he has told her he can never love her. Which he continues to insist, despite being tender and generous and doting on her every need and teaching her very gently about intimacy in marriage.
  
  Basically I like that I know in reading this that it won't suddenly turn to graphic sex scenes. I like how she inserts Gospel principles and scripture to guide the characters.
• 
  Angee

  Loved this book! The writing style was very different than the other Anita Stansfield books I have read. I didn't even feel like I was reading a cheesy (but very lovable) Stansfield book. I really enjoyed it!
  
  I loved the storyline. I love Eleanor's love for the Gospel (although she doesn't know it yet). Her searching. Her yearning. I love the relationships that have taken place in the story thus far. I love her innocence. And I love Mr. Barrington! What a guy! :)
  
  I did actually learn some more about forgiveness and healing while reading this story, too, which really surprised me. Things I needed to hear at this time. For me, this was an amazing story that kept me turning the pages until the very end.
  
  I can't wait for the next installment in the series!
• 
  Diane

  My mom lent these to me this past fall. They sat on the book shelf for several months as I wasn't too interested. Then, when I realized my mom would be visiting this spring, I felt guilty and decided to pick them up, read through them, and send them home with her when she comes. I found them quick and easy to read. The topic of marriage and love were addressed beautifully and allowed me time to reflect on my own marriage and to appreciate the love, safety, and trust I feel with my own husband. I also took from this book the power of prayer. I feel it a bit far fetched but at the same time, hope that it's possible to be that in tune with the Spirit and be able to connect with your spouse concerning important decisions in life, after earnest, sincere prayer.
• 
  Michele

  This is the first Anita Stansfield book I've read. I was curious to read her work since so many family members read her work. I wasn't disappointed. I really enjoyed her writing aside from the constant reminder that she would insert that "he would never have her heart. Never." Etc. This book for, several reasons, had my heart however. I felt connected to the characters in ways I didn't think I would be. This book had me wondering if I should read a book again since I became "emotionally attached"! Another aspect of the book is just how "good" the people are. Seems a bit too good to be true sometimes but again, the English were so proper that I would tend to believe they were that good. An engaging, romantic read in my opinion.
• 
  Sarah Wade

  I Loved, loved, loved this book. But I'm a sucker for a good, clean love story. Its LDS chick lit at its best. I liked how the story moved on without getting too bogged down in each area. I also liked how the author was able to convey things that happened without going on and on (unlike this review- I obviously don't have the authors talents).
  
  I didn't know anything about it going in and just picked it up and started reading. Coming off of 3 mediocre other books (other authors), I didn't have my sights set high. Imagine my surprise when I was drawn in immediately and didn't put it down until I finished. LOVED it and can't wait to read the next in the series. I may even reread it before I have to give it back to the friend I borrowed it from :)
• 
  Becky

  This book is start of the Barrington Family story- it starts out with the Cinderella transformation of Eleanore from maid and nanny to wife and mother to James Barrington and his motherless children. Eleanore finds a mysterious book (the Book of Mormon) and finds new faith. The family chooses to immigrate to the United States where she is hopeful she will find more about the church. One of the big plotlines in the book is the couple married for convienence, but finds themselves actually falling in love- gasp!- but each believes the other doesn't care that way- (which shouldn't really be so dramatic I don't think). This was a nice read, but some of it was too sticky sweet for my liking.
• 
  Missy

  I read this whole book in ONE DAY!!! It was a really sweet and intriguing story. Undeniably cheesy but really good. I really liked the link to church history and the main characters finding and gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I also liked how the principles of what a good marriage can be and what our priorities should be that were so ingrained into the story. I thought, although cheesy, it reflected the real differences in the deepest needs and desires of a man's and woman's heart. Which are sometimes very the same and very different. I was a refreshing easy read. Can't wait to read the next one....after I get some sleep. =)
• 
  Sara

  This is one of my favorite books ever. Anita Stansfield isn't one of my favorite authors but this one was fantastic work. I would recommend it to anyone. She wrote it so well that the main characters 22 year age difference wasn't as creepy as it really should have been. Like seriously, when I say it like that, it's very very creepy but in the book it's not. I promise. Did I taint your view on this book? Let's pretend you didn't read the last two sentences. I don't know why this novel was so different from the rest of her novels. To me, it stood out because of its cheesiness being almost non-existent. Very refreshing from an LDS author.
• 
  Susannah

  Sometimes I like to read books that I can just sit back and relax and enjoy. This was one of those books. I also have to admit that I love good clean love stories and I really liked the story in this book. I am waiting for book 4, but have read the first 3 and this one was by far my favorite of the series. I read the 2nd and 3rd because I wanted to know what happens to the characters, but really enjoyed the first book. So, if you are in the mood to just read something that you don't really have to think about or focus on while reading, this is a good one.
• 
  Tonya Leavitt

  LOVED IT! Easy and enjoyable; I just kept turning page after page 'til 3am, yikes! Its all about family, marriage, love, and the restored gospel. I liked the sweet and wholesome sexlife of Mr. and Mrs. Barrington. The author was able to add sex into the story in a passionate but reverent way. It was well-done and refreshing from most novels out there. My only complaint is that the characters and circumstances are too perfect. Mr. Barrington is a dream husband, no man is really like that! I guess thats why its called fiction.
• 
  Michelle

  As far as LDS authors go I think Anita Stansfield has always been one of my favorites, of course I haven't read one of her books in probably 12 years, until this one. It was true AS fashion, following the exciting lives of people whom you feel you can relate to, even though they lived oh-so-long ago. This was a cute story and I spent the majority of the book hoping that Elenor and James would come to the realization that they really do love each other. I love lovey-dovey books. Is that cheesy? I don't care.
• 
  Delcie Bushman

  I read all 4 books in this saga and really enjoyed the example of the Barrington family. They had personal struggles that they were able to work through together and with God's help. Even though it was definitely fiction, (no one is that perfect), it did inspire me to be better than I am in my relationship to my family and the Lord.
  The book was also another great reminder about what the Saints went through in the early days of the Chruch. I don't ever want to forget their hardships and sacrifices. I also, loved the end of book 4! Perfect ending to their family struggle.
• 
  Emily

  Wow! I can pretty much say that I've loved everything Anita Stansfield has written. This book was no exception! I loved the discovery of love that happened throughout the book and I also loved the experience of missionary work in progress. I love that one woman could live her life and lead such a great example that when she and her husband found a missionary, her husband was able to follow in her footsteps and be open to be taught the gospel. Amazing! I hope to lead such a life! Definitely recommend!
• 
  Kimberly Yates

  I really loved reading this one. Anything that is set in an earlier time period is my favorite. This novel doesn't really get too repititive like some of Anita Stansfield's other novels ( although she is still one of my favorites) The main character stumbles upon a Book of Mormon on the streets in Europe and this turns into a wonderful conversion story. Of course the romance in this novel is just lovely as ever!! I've just started reading the second volume!