A Feeling of Home (Redemption's Light #3) by Susan Anne Mason

Title: A Feeling of Home (Redemption’s Light #3)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 368

Release Date: July 5, 2022

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Can she set aside the pain from the past to embrace a new love?

     Isabelle Wardrop’s well-to-do life has completely unraveled. Within months, she’s lost both her parents, her fortune, and her home. With nowhere else to turn, she and her younger sister move in with a trusted former servant in an impoverished area of the city. Desperate for work but having no qualifications, Isabelle is forced to accept help from Dr. Mark Henshaw, the very man she blames for her mother’s death.

     Mark Henshaw has admired Isabelle for several months, but after the tragic death of her mother, he vows to make amends for the past and help her find her way. But when Mark learns his younger brother has formed an undesirable friendship with Isabelle’s sister—one that brings a whole new set of problems into their lives—he doesn’t know if Isabelle will ever forgive him.

     When startling developments begin to take place, both within Isabelle’s heart and their siblings’ relationship, her future looks very different than anything she could have imagined.

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical novel.

     I love the main characters in this book. There are a number of very important characters not just the four that I consider the main ones.

     From the very beginning my heart went out to Isabelle Wardrop and her sister Marissa. I can’t even imagine the heartache and confusion they were going through as they tried to piece their lives back together. I was amazed at the strength of character that Isabelle displayed in the aftermath of tragedy.

     Mark Henshaw was also an amazingly strong character with a heart to help others. He definitely had some flaws, but don’t we all. Alongside Mark was his brother Josh. I understood the struggles that existed between them as they were dealing with their relationship as brothers as well as guardian and ward.

     I loved seeing how many people stepped up beside Isabelle and Marissa and worked to help them through a very trying period. The individual journey’s of growth and maturity that all four of the main characters had to take were very intertwined and yet at the same time different.

     I’m giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

To Find Her Place (Redemption's Light #2) by Susan Anne Mason

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Title: To Find Her Place (Redemption’s Light #2)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 368

Release Date: June 8, 2021

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     In the midst of WWII, Jane Linder pours all her energy and dreams for a family into her career at the Toronto Children’s Aid Society. As acting directress, Jane hopes for a permanent appointment so she can continue making a difference in the lives of troubled children. But if anyone were to find out she is divorced, everything would change.

     Garrett Wilder has been hired to overhaul operations at the Children’s Aid Society. He hopes to impress the board members with his findings and earn the vacant director’s position. A war injury ended his dream of taking over his parents’ farm, but with the security of the director’s job, he’d be able to contribute financially and help save the family business.

     Despite their competing interests, feelings begin to blossom between them. But then Jane’s ex-husband returns from overseas with an unexpected proposition that could fulfill her deepest desires. Suddenly at a crossroads, can Jane discern the path to true happiness?

My review:

     This is a marvelous historical romance novel!

     I love both of the main characters in this story. They are extremely well developed. Their personal problems are presented clearly and then processed individually over the course of the book. There are also a number of great secondary characters who have very important roles in the progression of the plot.

     I thoroughly enjoyed the strong emphasis on prayer and trusting God that runs throughout this book. It truly served to remind me that this is way I should constantly be living my life.

     It was very interesting to see how the Children’s Aid Society was run during WWII and how the war affected their important work providing homes for the children. I was very interested by reading the way the families handled the absence of their husbands and sons who were overseas fighting.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

A Haven for Her Heart (Redemption's Light #1) by Susan Anne Mason

Title: A Haven for Her Heart (Redemption’s Light #1)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 368

Release Date: October 13, 2020

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Homeless after being released from a women’s reformatory in 1939 Toronto, Olivia Rosetti is taken in by an angel of mercy, Ruth Bennington. The two discover they share a painful past and together decide to open a maternity home for troubled women.

     Despite the success of the home, Olivia is haunted by her inhumane treatment at the reformatory and the way her newborn son was taken from her. She feels undeserving of love—until she meets businessman Darius Reed. Although his attention makes her heart soar, he can never learn of her past.

     Greek widower Darius Reed is determined to protect his daughter from the prejudice that killed her mother. He’ll ensure her future by marrying a woman from a respected Toronto family. But when Darius meets Olivia, he’s immediately drawn to her beauty and compassion.

     Can love prove stronger than prejudice and past mistakes? Or will Olivia’s secrets destroy any chance at a future together?

My review:

     This is a very deep, thought provoking historical romance.

     Both Olivia and Darius are incredibly well developed and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both of them. The heartaches that they each carried into the beginning of their relationship were palpable. I desperately wanted each of them to grow past the pain and reach a place where they weren’t bogged down by it. 

     I love the fact that they both included times of prayer and seeking God to help them on their journey. It was wonderful to see them both talk with older adults to help with the process also.

     The subject matter of this book is much heavier than any book that the author previously wrote. She has done a marvelous job of handling it throughout the story.

     I’m giving this fantastic book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Brightest of Dreams (Canadian Crossings #3) by Susan Anne Mason

Title: The Brightest of Dreams (Canadian Crossings #3)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 352

Release Date: February 4, 2020

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Quinten Aspinall is determined to fulfill a promise he made to his deceased father to keep his family together. To do so, he must travel to Canada to find his younger siblings, who were sent there as indentured workers while Quinn was away at war. He is also solicited by his employer to look for the man’s niece who ran off with a Canadian soldier. If Quinn can bring Julia back, he will receive his own tenant farm, enabling him to provide a home for his ailing mother and siblings.

     Julia Holloway’s decision to come to Toronto has been met with disaster. When her uncle’s employee rescues her from a bad situation, she fears she can never repay Quinn’s kindness. So when he asks her to help find his sister, she agrees. Soon after, however, Julia receives some devastating news that changes everything.

     Torn between reuniting his family and protecting Julia, will Quinn have to sacrifice his chance at happiness to finally keep his promise?

My review:

     This is an absolutely incredible historical romance!

     We had been introduced to Quinn in the first book of this series. I loved finding out what had brought him to Canada. This is a stand-alone story. Yet at the same time Mrs. C and Reverend Burke are strong supportive characters in each book and their friendship carries over through all of them.

     Julia Holloway is a very deep character. She has a lot of hurt that has shaped her and directs many of her decisions throughout the book. Her story points out how deeply someone can be wounded by something said out of anger.

     I had never heard of the practice of sending children from England to Canada until I started hearing about the book in the author’s newsletters. The details that are given about the British Home Children and how they were treated were definitely eye opening. It reminded me a lot of the Orphan Trains that were used in America to send orphans west.

     This marvelous story is getting a rating of 5 stars from me. I highly recommend it. Though it isn’t necessary to read this series in order. I believe doing so adds to the enjoyment because of the ongoing story between Mrs. C. and Reverend Burke.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Highest of Hopes (Canadian Crossings #2) by Susan Anne Mason

Title: The Highest of Hopes (Canadian Crossings #2)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 352

Release Date: March 5, 2019

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     After her beloved grandfather’s death, Emmaline Moore is shocked to discover that her “deceased” father is actually living in Canada. Having no other family, Emma decides she must find him, and so embarks on a journey across the ocean, accompanied by her best friend, Jonathan. Unfortunately, Randall Moore and his well-to-do family aren’t thrilled by her arrival, fearing her sudden appearance will hinder his chance at becoming mayor of Toronto in 1919. Despite everything, Emma remains determined to earn their affection.

     Jonathan Rowe has secretly loved Emma for years and hopes that during their trip he can win her heart. Concerned that Randall might reject her, Jonathan is ready to console Emma and bring her home. When she informs him that she has no intention of returning to England, Jonathan begins to despair. Can he convince Emma to find value within herself rather than seeking it from a virtual stranger? And will she ever come to see that Jonathan is her true home?

My review:

     This is a remarkable historical romance novel!

     I love each of the main characters in this book. They truly took me on an emotional roller coaster. At times I wanted to just wrap them in my arms and hug them until the hurt was made well. At other times I was so frustrated with the decisions they were making that I wanted to slap them silly. They just didn’t want to listen to me though and insisted on taking the long and difficult journeys that the author wrote for them to take.

     I did appreciate the fact that they listened to their wise friends and sought God. That is truly the place to go for guidance and wisdom.

     I absolutely loved this story and am giving it a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Best of Intentions (Canadian Crossings #1) by Susan Anne Mason

Title: The Best of Intentions (Canadian Crossings #1)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 352

Release Date: July 3, 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy from the author and the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     In the aftermath of WWI, Grace Abernathy is determined to reunite with her family, crossing an ocean to convince her widowed sister to return home to England. Yet Toronto holds more tragedy and her nephew Christian is now in the custody of his paternal relatives, the formidable Easton family, who rejected Grace’s sister because of her low social status.

     Unconvinced the Eastons can be fitting caretakers, Grace jumps at the chance to be Christian’s nanny and observe the family up close under an assumed name. In the course of her new position, she is shocked to discover herself falling for Andrew Easton, the boy’s guardian. Unfortunately, Andrew is promised to a spoiled socialite who will make a terrible stepmother for Christian. Will Grace be able to protect her nephew . . . and her heart?

My review:

     This is an absolutely incredible historical romance!

     I love all of the main characters in this book. Though I was truly annoyed with Mr. Easton’s overbearing and demanding personality. I also wanted to slap Celilia silly because she was such a spoiled brat. All good stories need conflict and these two provided plenty of it.

     I was delighted with both Grace and Virginia. They are both charming women and I wanted each of them to marry for love. They had plenty of obstacles to overcome before that would be possible.

     The one character that I was the most impressed with was Reverend Burke. He was so calm and not judgmental. He was supportive and a good listener. He simply asked questions and then allowed those he was speaking with to think things through for themselves.

     Most of the characters grew and matured throughout the story. They learned how to look to God for guidance and trust Him.

     I find myself compelled to give this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars. I am definitely highly recommending it. I don’t think that anyone who enjoys historical romances can go wrong in spending some of their free time reading this book.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason

Title: A Most Noble Heir

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 368

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction (1884, England)

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     When stable hand Nolan Price learns from this dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl’s heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.

     Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope—believing that once their marriage is sanctioned by God, Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between pleasing Hannah and living up to his father’s demanding expectations.

     At every turn, forces work to keep the couple apart, and a solution to remain together seems further and further away. With Nolan’s new life pulling him irrevocably away from the woman he loves, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical romance!

     There are many delightful characters in this book. There are even some that it was very hard to like or connect with. All of them were extremely well developed. By the end of the book I had even found some redeeming qualities in those that I didn’t like.

     The story itself was fantastic. I was caught up in the drama of it and at times had to MAKE myself put the book down to deal with real life stuff. The way that the lives of the different characters entwined was fascinating.

     The descriptions of how the nobility relate to their servants was great. It was nice to see the comparison of how two different members of the aristocracy treat those beneath them was great.

     This incredible book is getting a 5 star rating from me. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*