This book proposes a difficult topic to consider and read, but Susan Mason does a brilliant job explaining the theme, the time period, and the characters that endure the experiences and consequences of what is occurring during these challenging Canadian days.  This tragic existence that took hold of many young women is something I have seen touched on in various British dramas.  Each mention is heartbreaking, and it is incredibly hard to imagine what each woman went through.  Yet I am sure they could sum it up in one word–nightmare.

The reader is immediately introduced to Olivia Rosetti–a young Italian woman with a bright future ahead–but life and her family have other plans for her.  Despite trying to be open and honest, those around Olivia will not forgive her current situation, and decide to do the worst thing possible…turn her into the authorities.  This is where Olivia will live for the next eighteen months of her life and where her life with change forever.

Along her journey, Olivia meets people who will alter her thinking, because they will give her something she has longed to receive–grace.  At first, taking this gift proves difficult, because there is so much fear and distrust in her heart, but a lovely woman named Ruth Bennington will change all that.  Ruth firmly believes the Lord placed Olivia in her path, so that Ruth might find purpose in her life again.  Amazingly she helps Olivia find more than a new beginning.  She helps her find redemption.

Mason beautifully illustrates the other characters, as they too have their own stories to tell.  As with most individuals, each person comes with a broken past and spirit; therefore, each person must find a way to persevere and overcome the hurt.  Throughout each conversation, bits of these damaged pieces start to fall, so that eventually healing can be found.  As we let go, the Lord will come and carry our burdens, which is what these characters begin to discover (Matthew 11:28-30).

If you love historical books as much as I do, I recommend reading Mason’s newest book.  It will challenge you to dramatically consider the feelings of others, and hopefully, it will move your heart in a way that gives you more compassion to the individuals you meet every day.  Happy reading friends!

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?

Available Here  
AMAZON

About the Author

Susan lives in a suburb near Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where she works part-time as a church secretary. She is a wife and the mother of two amazing kids, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In addition to writing, she likes to scrapbook and to research her family history on-line.

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