Susan Anne MasonReseñas

My Review:

Genre: Historical fiction, Christian fiction.

My Rating: 4 and 1/2 stars.

Recommendation: 13 up for romance.

My favorite character is: Emma is a sweet girl and I loved following along with her as she searched for her family and even though I felt that at times she was naive I still loved reading about her.

My Verse for Emma is Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. (King James Version.)

My thoughts: Aw, this book is so sweet even if a good bit sad for several reasons. The story was so cute and adorable because of Jonathan and Emma's relationship and I also liked how this book and the previous one were connected and I look forward to reading more from Mrs. Mason!



Slight spoilers!



Warnings: Slight scandals because of politics and an unwed pregnancy.

(I received this book in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it.)

I am mad. So mad about this book. And here is your fair warning that there are spoilers.

I have been waiting a year for this book… You hear my but coming? Well, it is!

I liked the beginning of The Brightest of Dreams but I was flipping through since it was going slowly and I wanted to stay interested … and I found out that Julia was drugged by a doctor after her friend died and that the doctor raped her.
It's after WWI so there is still a lot of stuff with rich dudes getting away with stuff and women not going to the ploice when stuff happens to them so you can assume that she doesn't tell anyone but the love interest when he notices that she was pregnant and she says that it was rape.

Since I found this out I skipped ahead some more...
And found more discouraging content … The bad dude tries to take the baby she's pregnant with after the attack, she goes into early labor at court, goes to the hospital, they stop labor until later and then she has the baby after Quin gets there again. Once again bad dude comes in, at the hospital! He wants to see his kid!!!! Um, big no no to me, he deserves to be thrown in jail and the key lost and that's the nice version! But no, they talk, he kinda feels bad, and THOUGHT THAT SHE WANTED *IT* SICK SICK SICK SICK… No one was with them until the pastor came back in, and she forgives bad dude saying if he really is sorry he'd let her keep the baby. So, of course he does … And she thinks it's a good thing Quin didn't come in since he'd do something to bad dude, uh, yeah! He'd better do something!
Plus her uncle doesn't want her home after he finds out about the baby. Well, she can come "home" but has to stay hidden until her cousin is happily married to some rich titled guy and she can come somewhat out of hiding.

Now that we have that out of the way may I say how much I nearly loved it? Quinten's story is so heartbreaking … I wanted to see what happened with his siblings and I skipped through and found out. I loved it! Such a bittersweet story idea but the author ruined it with everything that she threw at Julia, I honestly feel like she did it just to give the heroine angst. Like the hero couldn't have all of the drama, no sir … That wouldn't work. *eyeroll* I will not be finishing The Brightest of Dreams and I won't be doing another book from Mrs. Mason.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

RTC

My Review
Genre: Christian Fiction,

My Rating: 4 Stars.

Recommendation: 15 up.

My favorite character/s: Virginia was my favorite character, I loved how she cared for her family and made the choices she did even if they were hard ones to make.

My Verse for Virginia is Proverbs 11:28
Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

My thoughts: This was an interesting and enjoyable book, and I'll be on the lookout for more of Susan Anne Mason books.
(I received this book from NetGalley and all of the thoughts are my own.)

1944 Toronto. Wonderful continuation of the Redemption’s Light series, focusing on Isabelle and Mark. They both lost their parents and were responsible for taking care of their siblings. In Isabelle's case she also lost her home and everything when her father died. They went from high society to living in a slum with a servant's family. But she handled it graciously, learning how to do demeaning manual labor to support herself and her sister, genuinely caring for others regardless of their social standing or circumstances. Mark is a doctor who gives himself to taking care of every patient regardless of their circumstances. This is a journey for both of them, one of adjustment for them and their siblings. Complicated issues to deal with, lessons of Christian faith throughout. Wonderful characters, easy to visualize and get lost in.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#AFeelingOfHome #NetGalley #SusanAnneMason #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHouse #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical

This book had an interesting storyline. A fair amount of tragedy happens to the Wardrop family, and the author deals with some pretty big topics--death, cancer, grief, suicide, teenage pregnancy, and poverty to name a few. The story moves along quickly as the Wardrop sisters figure out what to do after becoming orphans. Isabelle shows great strength as she faces her circumstances head-on. Her character changes from a spoiled, wealthy, young lady, to one of compassion who can identify with the working class.

I was glad to see that Dr. Mark Henshaw finally got his chance at happiness. This was a great way to end the series. Mark, like Isabelle, also has family issues to work through, and the author did a great job moving both of these characters through situations that helped to change them each for the better.

I liked that the book moved quickly, especially toward the last half of the book, and I thought that it was an enjoyable read.

*** I received this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful historical romance. This has a fantastic story. I loved Isabelle who is very strong and learns to handle adversity very well. I also really like Mark who also has overcome some major hardships. I love how this shows how hardy people can be when faced with problems. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Susan Anne Mason has come to be one of my favorite writers for character-driven historical Christian fiction. A Feeling of Home transported me to 1940’s Toronto, Canada and packed an emotional punch with heart-wrenching family dilemmas and a sweet romance. Isabelle Wardrop and Dr. Mark Henshaw both experience profound loss and have the responsibility of caring for a younger sibling. As an attraction grows between them, the choices their siblings make directly impact their relationship. With so many forces seemingly aligned against them, will they find the happiness and feeling of home they both long for again?

I enjoyed the emotional pull of this story. Isabelle is a strong-willed yet compassionate character who at first seemed like a spoiled, obnoxious socialite, but when her parents both die and she’s left penniless, she has to grow up quickly. I admired her persistence and willingness to sacrifice for her sister. She undergoes a massive transformation throughout the story and it was enjoyable watching her find hidden talents and strength.

Dr. Mark Henshaw is a caring, thoughtful, forgiving person. Despite the way Isabelle treats him at first, he understands where she’s coming from and forgives her behavior. I loved watching their relationship grow from friendship to more. Their siblings cause an awful lot of issues and while I predicted some things, there were some definite twists that added quite a bit of drama. The constant push and pull between Isabelle and Mark was almost too much at some points. Isabelle’s sister frustrated me, but her age and immaturity made her actions understandable.

The historical aspects of the story were interesting. I didn’t know much about how Canadians viewed WWII and it was fascinating to realize attitude differences compared with the United States. It was also interesting to learn about the polio outbreaks and sanitation issues in lower class neighborhoods, as well as how Dr. Henshaw’s work with unwed mothers impacted his career.

This book can definitely be read as a standalone. Although I hadn’t read the previous two books, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything and look forward to reading them. If you enjoy well written character-driven stories with plenty of drama and a sweet, tender romance, I recommend adding this book to your list. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through LibraryThing. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

I very much enjoyed this story, set in 1944 Toronto. I have not read the prior stories in the series, I had no problem reading this as a stand-alone. I could tell that certain supporting characters had had their stories told previously, but I did not feel I was missing critical information. Both Mark and Isabelle have to deal with a series of blows affecting themselves and their families. The difficulties that they face in carving out a relationship are entirely in keeping with their tragic circumstances and personal upheavals, The misunderstandings can be frustrating to the reader, but they are believable.

I did question why WWII plays such a minor role in the story. It really doesn't come up at all until the end when one character joins the service. I realize Canada did not have a universal draft like the U, S. did, but it seemed strange that there were so many men in the story of an age to be in the armed forces who weren't, and no-one seemed to think anything of it. I was also unhappy that a character that cause a great deal of harm to Isabelle's younger sister was not held accountable in any way. But overall, it was a very satisfying story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.

A Feeling of Home is a charming addition to the Redemption’s Light series by Susan Anne Mason. It can easily be read as a stand alone book, but it was delightful to see characters from previous books in the series show up in this story. The setting in Canada in 1944 added to my enjoyment of the story.

I’m so glad that Dr. Mark Henshaw finally got his own story. He and Isabelle Wardrop are wonderful characters, and I was rooting for them from the start. I loved Mark’s compassionate and caring heart. Isabelle took me a while to warm up to, but I enjoyed seeing her heart and perspective change when she went from being a pampered, privileged daughter to an orphan with no money, house, or job and in charge of her younger sister.

This is a beautiful story of healing, forgiveness, hope, and faith, and a lovely conclusion to the series. I would recommend this to those who enjoy well-written historical fiction. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.½

It's a lovely ending to a lovely series. Susan Anne Mason deftly infuses Canadian history with faith and sweet romance. It was interesting to see 1944 through Canadian perspective and I really enjoyed getting to know Dr Henshaw better. The way that medicine and the medical hierarchy worked during this period was also fascinating to learn about. Dr Mark Henshaw is as upright, compassionate, thoughtful, tender and faithful as he appeared in the previous books, if not more so. Isabelle comes off harsh and haughty in the beginning, but her soft loving heart breaks through her grief and disappointment to be a beacon to others around her. Mark and Isabelle's perseverance and fortitude to find their dream, even in the midst of terrible circumstances, is encouraging. I really enjoyed seeing Olivia, Darius, and Jane from the previous books as secondary characters in this story.

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

What a wonderful conclusion to the Redemption’s Light series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone I suggest you won’t want to miss the previous books and getting to know recurring characters as I enjoyed the whole series. Ms Mason has a way of drawing you into the story and making you feel like you are part of the characters lives. I admired the strength and tenacity that Isabelle showed after losing her parents, her home, her finances, and then had to find a job to care for her younger sister. I loved that this series deals with a maternity home in 1944 and shows women have ethical options when given love and support. The Faith thread is woven in beautifully and shows that even in the midst of storms God is still with us working out a plan better than we can imagine. Forgiveness is a major theme as well as family and finding love. I hate to let this series go as I personally have enjoyed it from the beginning. I highly recommend reading and enjoying.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

This is book three of Redemption’s Light series. This can be read as a stand-alone.
In Toronto, 1944 the Bennington Place Maternity Home run by Ruth Bennington has secured its place as a haven for unwed mothers, with Dr. Mark Henshaw donating his services. In storms Isabelle Wardrop and demands he attend her dying mother. Things do not go well and her mother succumbs. On the heels of this devastating news, Isabelle and her sister, Marissa, lose more: their father dies, they lose their security and the only house they have ever known.
The author takes her characters through some rough times and shows that with their faith in God, they can accept help and grow through their reduced circumstances. Ms. Mason crafts a heroine who is selfless and willing to do what it takes when life throws her multiple curves, even humbly accepting help. Mark, as the hero, has sacrificed much for his younger brother, but realizes that even though he would like to help the destitute, he is spreading himself thin. Then Mark and Isabelle are thrown another curve that has them banding together.
I love the characters and how they weigh things in light of God’s word. Ms. Mason captures the emotions of unwed mothers and their life changing decisions. This was a glimpse into what life was like on the home front in Canada during WWII, the hardships and the joys.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

This has been one of my favorite stories so far this year. I loved Jane and Garrett. It was nice to read a book that takes place during WWll but does not go too much into the horrors that occurred. It was fascinating to learn some about how foster care and adoptions were handled in Canada during the time of WWll. This story made me laugh and cry. I did not want to put this book down. These two characters go through some trials to figure out how they want to spend their lives. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Ms. Mason has taken characters in turmoil and given them a story of hope.
Jane is trying her best to make a home for her ailing mother and excel in her job helping children find a home. It is difficult in Toronto during wartime with the shortages in food, gas and qualified people willing to foster needy children. The author shows the compassion Jane has for a special little boy, Martin, who is very hard to place.
Garrett, a war veteran who is still recovering from an injury, is hired to audit the agency for efficiency and a discrepancy in the books.
Both Jane and Garrett have secrets they are keeping. They find they are vying for the same position as permanent director of the agency. As they grow fonder of each other, they have mixed feelings about competing for the job. Garrett: *He could not allow his growing respect for the woman to interfere with his plans to secure his future.*
Circumstances arise that will test their faith and their mettle. And they learn a lesson in forgiveness, trust and reliance on God.
I enjoyed learning about our Canadian neighbors and what similar things they experienced during WWII. I look forward to the third book in this series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

To Find Her Place by Susan Anne Mason

Susan Anne Mason has once again crafted a fascinating story in her new book, To Find Her Place. Set in Toronto in 1943, it features Jane Linder and Garrett Wilder, who are vying for the position of director at the Children’s Aid Society. Garrett is a wonderful, caring hero who is trying to find a new career after a war injury leaves him unable to do much to help his parents with their farm. Jane is capable, compassionate, and is the acting directress at the society, while Garrett has been hired to look into the operations there and investigate suspected misuse of funds. As they work there together, they become friendly and their relationship grows.

Mason is superb at creating engaging and realistic characters and settings. A wonderful cast of secondary characters adds color and additional emotional depth to the story. I enjoyed the appearances of some of the characters from the previous book in the Redemption’s Light series, A Haven for Her Heart. While they are parts of a series, each book can easily stand on its own.

With plenty of suspense, a dash of romance, and faith elements that are seamlessly woven into the tale, this book is a captivating look at an interesting part of Canada’s history. I would recommend it to those who enjoy inspirational historical romance fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.½

This is second book in Redemption's Light series by Susan Anne Mason but definitely can be read as a stand-alone. In 1943 Toronto, WWII has torn apart the city's finances, morale, and people. Even though understaffed and under-budgeted, the Toronto Children's Aid Society works diligently to help the orphaned children find foster and forever homes. Jane is an unusual acting directress of the organization, but she puts her heart and soul into the work she does. Garrett is an auditor who comes to sort out the financial tangle within the Society but becomes so much more to Jane with his optimism, steadfast tenderness, disciplined integrity, and passion to help those in need. Their relationship is tested as they compete for the same job, chase after a hurting boy who likes to run away, and try to figure out the best path when their pasts push forward to take center stage in their present. Both Jane and Garrett are lovely and I really enjoyed learning about how the Children's Aid Society worked. The author does an excellent job of portraying the effects of the war in Toronto with sensitivity and tenderness.

If you're a fan of historical fiction/romance, you will surely enjoy this book. I received the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

We are back in Toronto Canada and as with the first book we are helping children by way of the Children's Aid Society, and although this is the second book in this series that I have read, the book can stand alone.
The main character Jane Linder is reeling from the abrupt ending of her marriage, and trying to move on during difficult times. She has been named acting director of the CAS, and is loving her job.
Enter Garrett Wilder a wounded veteran who has been hired to find some missing funds. Yes, Jane is a suspect, but then so are others. Now Jane and Garrett get to work closely together, and are also helping the children.
Can these two hurting individuals form a relationship, maybe, and in the end help hurting eight year old Martin.
This story has so much going on, WWII, aiding children, missing and wounded soldiers, and just a bit of romance thrown in, and then you start page-turning for answers!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

This is a heart-breaking yet hopeful story. The author said she was inspired to write about Velma Demerson, who was arrested in Toronto in the 1930’s for being pregnant and unmarried….”Velma’s story provided the inspiration for Olivia Rosetti to open a facility for unwed mothers.”

The author goes on to state,” it’s a little grittier than the usual books I’ve written. But the horrors that Olivia goes through really happened to Velma and to many other incarcerated women. Eventually, the Mercer Reformatory was closed down, but not until 1969 – thirty years after Velma’s stay there. It’s hard to imagine such atrocities occurring so recently in our history.”

The Female Refuges Act in Toronto, Canada allowed woman to be imprisoned who became pregnant out of wedlock. Olivia is sentenced to Mercer Reformatory where she endured unspeakable, concentration type stuff. This author has done her research for this well-written novel that gives a peek into Velma’s story through the eyes and life of Olivia. I liked how the author balanced the story by making readers aware of the unthinkable, horrific torture Olivia endured without showing too much of it to where you had to stop reading.

This author talks about hard topics such as domestic violence, prejudice, bullying, death, and racism in a sympathetic way. She has you feel for Olivia Rosetti and Ruth’s characters story and how they are over comers. I found myself cheering for these ladies as they bloom and grown into what they are called to do. This is a realistic look at the topics and how the community felt about this house being in their neighborhood. It is not pretty. The author does a great job of showing how we all make mistakes, and we all have access to redemption when we ask God to forgive us, which then frees us to forgive others and ourselves.

Olivia soon learns hard lessons about life outside prison walls. She thinks, “Freedom, it turned out, came with a whole new set of problems, proving she wasn’t really free at all. Instead, she was homeless, penniless, and friendless. Where could she go? Did she dare darken her parents’ doorstep? Without even enough money for a bus fare, it could take an hour to reach her family’s story on foot. If she did, and she was able to get her mother alone, would Mamma help her? Or would obedience to Papa keep her from aiding her only daughter?”

This book would work out great for your next book club pick there is so much to discuss. These characters and their story will stay with you long after you close the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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"

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Set in Toronto, Canada around 1940, A Haven for Her Heart is a poignant, heart-wrenching story of redemption, forgiveness, and healing. Based on actual happenings, this story is a little grittier than Susan Anne Mason’s other books, but she writes sensitively about the horrors that happened to some young women who were incarcerated at a reformatory for women.

Upon her release from the reformatory, Olivia Rosetti is trying to restart her life, but no one will hire her. Destitute and ill, she is befriended by Ruth Bennington who gives her a place to stay. Together they plan to open a maternity home for women who have nowhere to go. I admired Olivia’s pluck and compassion for those down on their luck.

Darius Reed is a wonderful, caring hero. A Greek widower, he wants to raise his young daughter as a Canadian and combat prejudice. With his integrity conflicting with his employer, he has some big decisions to make.

With these two engaging, emotionally-layered main characters, and a wonderful cast of colorful secondary characters, Mason has created a captivating and gripping story that kept me turning pages. Faith elements are seamlessly incorporated into the storyline and add depth and dimension to the tale. This is the first book in Mason’s Redemption’s Light series, and I’m anxiously waiting for the rest of the series. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own.

"God wouldn't want you to remain a prisoner of your shame, Olivia. You are His beloved child, forgiven and redeemed. Be brave enough to claim the happiness He has in store for you."

What a powerful book! Set in 1941 Toronto, the book addresses deep issues like racism, discrimination and social injustice while providing a heart-wrenching romantic thread between a broken young woman who feels unworthy of a future and a young widower whose goal is to better his station in life for his daughter. As an immigrant myself, I empathized with Olivia and Darius' life circumstances, family dynamics, and struggles that shape who they are.
The setting is vivid; you'll feel transported to this city as Olivia and her mentor Ruth fight for their right to help those in need. The horrors that Olivia endured in The Reformatory are difficult to read about but they opened my eyes and helped me to appreciate the character of Olivia more. The writing is easy to read and the plot moves at a good pace and is well-developed. Darius and Olivia are both somewhat misguided in the beginning but their growing faith brings them back onto the good path.

If you enjoy historical fiction, you will absolutely enjoy this inaugural book to Susan Anne Mason's Redemption's Light series.
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Set during WWII and in Toronto Canada the reality of what some obscure laws that were used to hurt people. Different times, but this story is loosely based on truth.
I have trouble with a father doing what he did to his daughter, but this is a different time, but having her put in a reformatory?
When you hear the facts of what happened here, with some never leaving, there are people who should go to jail, but that would be another book, although I don't know if anyone ever was held accountable.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time, two hurting woman, and each filling a need for the other, I believe a God Thing, but in the end these two helped others with no where to turn.
The reality of their not being help offered out there, is the death of another young woman, and sadly we get to know her.
We see prejudice upfront here, and we hope that they do not win, but we also see the embracing of a family and the folding in of a hurting young woman, and then the unconditional love of a child!
I for one cannot wait for the second book!

I received this book through NetGalley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Susan has become one of my favorite authors. A Most Noble Heir is an enjoyable read. I found it enthralling. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. In case I haven't said it before, I like historical novels. I find this one captivating since it's set in England. Be sure to check it out for yourself.

First of all, I find the cover art to be stunning. Second of all, I enjoyed this book immensely. It is a captivating story, and well crafted. Since my family has some Irish roots, I found this story particularly interesting. Besides, I thoroughly enjoy stories set in the early 1900s. Superb summer read.

The cover drew me in, then the title, and I smiled when I saw this was written by Susan Anne Mason. I had enjoyed books by this author, so I was thrilled to read her newest novel. I read the first page in the prologue, stopped and looked at the cover of the book again. Yes, I was reading the correct book. I stopped because I had read No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky last year and it had a similar beginning, I was a little confused (things were cleared up in the Author notes to readers at the end). When the prologue ended the similarities did too.

Quinten said his farewells to his family and was off to war. Now he was home to discover his family had been scattered about. Quinten told his employer he was off to Canada to gather his family together. His employer the Earl (who he worked for years prior to the war) had a proposition for him. The Earl would gladly hold his position, give him some spending money, if he would also search for Miss Julia Holloway, his niece. He does the only thing he can do, he says,”..You have my word, sir. I’ll do everything in my power to bring your niece back to you.”

This is in author notes to readers, “When the subject of the British Home Children in Canada was suggested to me as a possible topic for a book, I confess I’d never heard of them. Not in all the time growing up in Ontario – where a large majority of these children were sent – and never in any of the educational studies…. So, to find out about these children and the role they played in our country’s history was indeed surprising.”

This was a remarkable, fun, fascinating hard journey Quintin and his family took. The characters are endearing, this story had the reader think about loyalty, trust, love, honor, compassion, family and forgiveness. It’s a wholesome romance story sprinkled with faith. Even though this was book three in the series I didn’t feel lost in this gripping, heart-felt novel I couldn’t put down that was full of twists and turns I didn’t see coming.

I highly recommend this novel for a book club pick. There is much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org