Book Review: A Haven for Her Heart by Susan Anne Mason

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What is this book about?

Upon her release from a woman’s reformatory in 1941 Toronto, Olivia Rosetti wants nothing more than to forget the horrors of her time there and return to normal. But with her family unwilling to forgive and employers wary of hiring her, she quickly ends up desperate and homeless—until a chance encounter with well-to-do widow Ruth Bennington. The two discover they share a painful history and together decide to open a maternity home for trouble women.

Greek widower Darius Reed is determined to protect his daughter from the prejudice that killed her mother and hopes to marry into a prominent Toronto family. But when his employer orders him to persuade Ruth Bennington to sell them her property, Darius soon becomes conflicted over his feelings about the home and his attraction to Olivia.

Despite finding fulfilment in her work, Olivia must fight not only bitter memories and the community’s negative reaction to their mission, but also feelings for the man who is trying to close her home. Can love prove stronger than prejudice and societal pressures, or will past mistakes destroy her chance at true happiness.

My review:

So as not to leave you in suspense, I loved this story. This was a story of happy ever after, which are my favorite ones to read, but it was also a story of human prejudice, unkind judgment, and deep regrets. My heart broke for Olivia from the very start of her story. To read about what happened to her was horrible in fiction and even worse to know that those things were based on historical truths. However, something wondrous comes out of the depths of despair—hope.

Even though Darius had also struggled with tragedy, it was fascinating to watch the tension between him and Olivia because of the different ways they responded to their trials. Each trying to embrace the future and put the past behind them, yet needing to find God’s grace in order to do so. In the end, they find each other and more importantly, God’s truth for their lives.

As I have matured in my reading, I’ve discovered the stories that truly speak to me are the ones where the depth of human frailty and strength are explored. This author writes those kinds of stories and I’ve enjoyed all of them.

What I enjoyed most about this book: 

Olivia’s triumph over her past leading her to love and family.

What I didn’t like about this book:

Nothing.

Would I recommend this book to others? Definitely. Even though there were some hard historical truths presented, the story was very well done. The characters were authentic and the love story was just what it should be. This is the first book in the series.

Note: I received this book complimentary as a member of the author’s launch team. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Susan Anne Mason, author website

-Loraine Nunley

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