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

This is the second installment to the wonderful Redemption’s Light Series. The setting is in Toronto, Canada, during WWII. This series is very historical, it’s based on true events even if the characters are fictional. That’s what makes these books so special. It’s as if you’re transported to another time and place like in a movie, and live the character’s battles and struggles with them as if they were your own. This is how good the author writes and how well historically researched these books are. This was a beautiful story that tugged all the strings of my heart! I love that it is really a historical novel, as the Children Aid Society of Toronto existed and the author did a deep researched about how it started, operated, etc. Even Mr. Mills, the managing director who retired was a real character! Jane and Garrett, and the rest, are fictional characters, of course, but their story felt so realistic to me, probably because of how well researched the setting and historical period was, I really felt as if I was transported with them to Toronto in WWII era! I also fell in love with the characters. I rooted for Jane and her desire to make a difference in the children’s lives. Her kind and compassionate heart inspired me, as I learned from her patience, prudence, strong determination, and loving nature. The way she cared for her mother and was so selfless that she didn’t have practically time for herself. I also struggled with her when she had tough decisions to make, but the way she let God guide her through it all humbled me. Garrett was a wonderful hero too. A bit stiff at the start, but I quickly warmed up to him as his lighthearted nature began to shine, his love of family and children, his generosity too. He had a heart of gold too, and I loved his way with the children! And the way he talked to God was endearing and humbling, he was so honest and wanted to do what was right for everyone. There were also secondary characters I loved, best of all cute and rebellious little Martin, he tore at my heart. No child should ever feel unwanted, and Jane and Garrett made sure of that! I also liked the way Garrett made Jane feel beautiful and worthy, when she was struggling so much with self-worth, because of her inability to have children. The plot of the story was engaging, it never dragged, it had enough twists, like the mystery of the disappearing money, and I was so sad when the story ended, I wanted more time with these characters! All in all, a truly inspiring story of unconditional love, true worthiness (which is always so big to the eyes of God) and sacrifice! I vividly recommend it to anyone, especially historical romance lovers!

To Find Her Place worked well as a stand-alone read. I was aware that there had likely been a previous book that told Olivia's story, but not having read it did not impact my understanding or enjoyment of this book. While there was little doubt of how To Find Her Place would end, the author kept me firmly in her grasp during all of the twists and turns while making it to the end. Jane Linder struggles with self-worth and childlessness. Garrett Wilder struggles with the physical limitations that remain from his service in WWII. Both are competing for the director's position at the Toronto Children's Aid Society, Jane from a position as a social worker, and Garrett from a business background. I am grateful to have received a copy of To Find her Place from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Susan Anne Mason has done it again. She has taken the perfect ingredients and placed them into a perfect setting and created the perfect second installment in the Redemption Light series. Although this can be read as a stand-alone I highly recommend reading book one as you don’t want to miss out. We have all dealt with finding how we fit in and have hid behind the shadow of what if someone finds out and judges me. Jane is such a woman who is divorced in a time it wasn’t readily accepted and she is trying to make a difference at the Toronto Children’s Aid Society while caring for her ailing mother. Talk about pressure to succeed and when you add the orphan Martin who is tossed to and fro and the responsibility to find him a home you think what else can one woman handle. In walks Garrett and you have the makings for romance, drama, and family ties. Unexpected happenings draw them closer and farther apart but the things they share such as faith and the love of Martin makes for an excellent book that you don’t want to put down. I was drawn to the Historical information and found this to be an exceptional read. I highly recommend adding to your must read pile. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Susan Anne Mason has done it again! Not only has she written a captivating, emotionally stirring novel set in Canada in the midst of WWII—she kept me up way past bedtime and made my baby blues fill up with misty-eyed tears to boot! Such exquisite torture...sigh. Who can resist a tale rife with adorable children, dogs, and uh...Garrett? If there is such thing as a perfect man, Garrett Wilder certainly fills the bill! Handsome, compassionate, loyal, loves kids and canines—what else is there? Until he does the unthinkable and betrays my new best friend, the magnanimous Jane Linder, who possesses all these same endearing qualities! However, maybe it's for the best because both work at the Children's Aid Society and we all know business and pleasure do not mix. 'To Find Her Place' is an impeccably researched, beautifully written, fiction-based-on-fact novel that's not all about tender romance (although there is that!), but the heartbreak of misplaced children that isn't easy to read about. Thankfully there were and are people who care enough to see that these little ones are placed in loving families. With many twists and turns, exhilarating adventures, lots of unforgettable characters, and an intertwining thread of forgiveness, 'To Find Her Place' is an absolute must read! *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own and I received no monetary compensation.*

3.5 stars "Now how are we going to find out who's been stealing our money?' Hired to audit the records of the Toronto Children's Aid Society, including some overall recommendations for operation, Garrett Wilder can barely suppress his surprise upon discovering that the acting director is a lovely young woman. . . . a Mrs. Linder. . . . who is not exactly welcoming his scrutiny with open arms. Honestly, he could hardly blame her. Her trepidation stemmed from the fact that they were both vying for the permanent directorship of the organization. Needing the steady income for different reasons, Jane and Garrett soon realize that they have more in common than they originally thought. After experiencing serious life changes, both were struggling with finding their place in life. Unfortunately, just as a blossoming friendship begins to take root, unforeseen obstacles collide with their plans, forcing them to re-evaluate whether or not new dreams were worth pursuing or would they simply have to settle for the old ones. Enjoy this peek into the inner workings of the historic children's aid society where dedicated employees and donors worked tirelessly to provide the "least of these" with safety and security. With little effort on your part, you will be drawn into the hearts and minds of Jane and Garrett, as they struggle, and as they triumph . . . making it all the more glorious when they ultimately arrive at the destination that was God's intention all along. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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.