A Haven for Her Heart by Susan Anne Mason

 

Review: This was an incredible novel and I couldn't stop talking about it... to everyone... for weeks after finishing it. First of all, I had NO IDEA that this type of law used to exist in Canada. My first was response was, "No way..." and then, when I read how long these laws were in effect and what happened to these poor women...? Utter horror.....

I'm so glad Susan Anne Mason wrote this book. I feel like this is a part of history that should be taught in school. How did I not know that it was against the law and punishable by incarceration to be pregnant  and unmarried in Toronto, Canada? And this isn't ancient history either. We're talking 1940s and onward. Appalling. 

This novel, in my opinion, is the best work that S.A. Mason has done to date. I've greatly enjoyed many books that she's written in the past, but there was a gripping edginess and steely grit to this book that was different than the rest. "A Haven for Her Heart" stands out. The writing is inspired. Olivia Rosetti, our heroine, is worthy of the role put to her. The plot is all too believable. 

I really valued reading this book and am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Canadian history, and in such a riveting way. An excellent book written by a wonderful author.

Thank-you so much to Graf Martin Communications and to Baker Publishing House for a copy of this book

Back Cover: 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 troubled 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?