A Heart Like Home

A Novel

By: Christine Nolfi

Narrated by: Megan Tusing

Finding family is a journey of love, risk, secrets, and healing in a powerful novel by the bestselling author of A Brighter Flame, The Passing Storm, and The Road She Left Behind.

When Nova Doubeck is asked to foster two children, she can’t say no. With her own childhood wounds healed by adoptive parents, Nova understands the rewards of a caring guardian—even an impermanent one. But nine-year-old Henry and his seven-year-old sister, Bella, are more than Nova bargained for.

Combative Henry is at risk of becoming like his abusive father, Egan Croy. Timid Bella, clutching a tin box of treasures, cowers at the slightest noise. Yet Nova gradually earns their trust and affection as they bring unexpected love and joy to her guarded life. Now she can’t help but wonder: How will she stop her heart from breaking when the time comes to say goodbye?

As Egan aggressively battles to regain control over the children, Nova’s protective instincts prove just as fierce. In fighting to save Henry and Bella, she’ll unlock the secrets hidden in their past—and learn more about herself and the true meaning of family than anyone imagined.

©2024 Christine Nolfi (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“A Heart Like Home tells the story of two children deeply traumatized by abuse and loss, and the emotionally closed-off woman who takes them in. An adoptive parent herself, Nolfi writes with flawless empathy and understanding about the ugliness of family violence but, more importantly, about the healing power of love and belonging. A perfect book club read.”—Kerry Anne King, bestselling author of Whisper Me This and A Borrowed Life

“In A Heart Like Home, Christine Nolfi delivers a masterful plot brimming with family secrets, suspense, and tough choices for its engaging, believable characters. Perfect for book clubs, it will appeal to the reader who enjoys emotionally satisfying, top-tier women’s fiction.”—Julianne MacLean, bestselling author of These Tangled Vines and A Storm of Infinite Beauty

“Nolfi engages readers with her signature depth and wisdom in this emotional story of becoming family even when the odds are stacked up against you. A book that will stay with readers long after the last page, and a family who reminds us of what it means to be truly connected. This is Nolfi at her very best. A Heart Like Home is poignant and unputdownable.”—Rochelle Weinstein, bestselling author of What You Do To Me

Heartfelt

As always, Nolfi’s work grabs me instantly and pulls me along for the story. The characters are so real and the story just kept me wanting more.

Great Book

From beginning to the very last page I was completely hooked. Absolutely loved every single character and what they brought to the story.

Great story from beginning to end

Loved the story. Never did I want to fast forward. Everything was enjoyable, story line had a few twist that makes it oh so interesting.

very captivating and heartwarming story

The story is very real. As a reader, you can relate to the story.

A heart like home

Christine Nolfi has crafted something truly special with A Heart Like Home. This book pulled at every one of my heartstrings — in the best way possible. It follows the journey of Nora, a kind-hearted, grounded, and incredibly patient young woman (who, I have to admit, I wish I had been more like at her age). Despite being much younger than me, Nora’s maturity, warmth, and compassion shine through as she fosters children — particularly teenagers — who are navigating some of life’s toughest moments while waiting for their forever homes.

The story takes a touching turn when Nora’s best friend asks her to care for two young children: nine-year-old Henry and sweet, emotionally delicate little Bella. While Henry is written as a wise, almost adult-like soul — nine going on twenty-one — Bella felt much younger to me, in the most tender and vulnerable way. Their dynamic with Nora was heart-melting and authentic.

Nora’s patience, understanding, and quiet strength in the face of chaos were both inspiring and humbling. Her ability to handle every challenge with grace and gentleness made me reflect on my own approach to life, love, and caregiving. And yes — there’s just the right touch of romance woven in, as Nora begins to find her person while juggling the beautiful mess of life and foster parenting.

This is one of those books that stays with you, long after you turn the last page. Beautifully written, deeply moving, and full of heart. Thank you, Christine Nolfi, for this emotional, uplifting story.