"A Haven for Her Heart," by Susan Anne Mason

"A Haven for Her Heart," by Susan Anne Mason

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?

The inspiration for this book is as interesting as the book itself.  The lead character in the book is released from a woman's reformatory called the Mercer Reformatory for Women.  I added a link as you will not believe what happened there.  Although I live in Ontario, I had never heard of it.  This book although a work of fiction, highlight's the injustices that happened with women who were incarcerated there.  It shocked me to think there was a law that could be used to incarcerate women for being pregnant out of wedlock, while there was no same law for men from 1896 - 1964.

The story itself of Olivia and Darius was a rollercoaster of emotions.  You feel the sadness and pain that Olivia is going through. The part with Olivia and Abigail, will pull at your heart for sure. Although this story has a happy ending, getting to that point means going through many trials and tribulations.  It's a well thought out book.

Stars out of 5 : 4 I enjoyed this book and it is well worth the read.  The Note from the Author at the beginning of the book sets the tone for this book and I am glad this was added to the front of the book and not at the back like a lot of books.  This book is the first in a series.  I look forward to reading the other's in the series.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Point of Danger,' By Irene Hannon

 "Point of Danger,' By Irene Hannon

Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews. But now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can't find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he's convinced they're connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve's voice silenced--permanently. 

But unless he can track down her elusive foe, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes--and who is swiftly winning his heart--may not survive.

I have to say I am a huge Irene Hannon fan, and this book was a great read.  I read it in a day, as I couldn't put it down.  I HAD to know what happened next.  The story sucked you in right from the start.  Each character that was introduced (and there were many) made you think that they were the one that was threatening Eve.  The way the story built up throughout the book, made it a page turner.  She is such a great story teller Irene.

I loved the main character's Eve and Brent.  I was cheering them on from the sidelines.  The way their friendship blossomed in the book made it all so believable.

Stars out of 5 : 5 This book and the story it told was perfect to my mind.  I had no idea "whodunit" and was very surprised when that was revealed.  This is a prefect mystery book, with a bit of everything mixed in with it.  Well worth the read.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Something Worth Doing," by Jane Kirkpatrick

 "Something Worth Doing," by Jane Kirkpatrick

In 1853, Abigail Scott was a nineteen-year-old school teacher in Oregon Territory when she married Ben Duniway. Marriage meant giving up on teaching, but Abigail always believed she was meant to be more than a good wife and mother. When Abigail becomes the primary breadwinner for her growing family, what she sees as a working woman appalls her--and prompts her to devote her life to fighting for the rights of women, including the right to vote.

Based on a true story, Something Worth Doing will resonate with modern women who still grapple with the pull between career and family, finding their place in the public sphere, and dealing with frustrations and prejudices when competing in male-dominated spaces.

As a fan of Jane Kirkpatrick's novels I was looking forward to reading this book.  When I finished this book, it left an "after taste" in my mind that didn't sit well.  Abigail was not a person I would befriend.  However, what she did throughout her lifetime justifies why she is admired and is one of only six women whose names are written in the halls of Oregon's Government chambers.

I can also see that this story would resonate with working women in this day and age, trying to juggle a family and career.  It is sad to think that despite all the changes to the laws, there is still a divide between the sexes when it comes to compensation in the workplace, and why women have to work harder to get the same recognition.

Stars out of 5 : 3 I didn't hate this book, but I didn't really like it either.  I have read better books by Jane.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".