AUTHOR: Susan Anne Mason
DATE: 2020
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: *****
Back Copy:
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?
My Review:
A Haven for Her Heart opened my eyes to a piece of Canadian history that enraged and challenged me. Who knew that not that many years ago (the reformatory was finally closed in 1969), unmarried, young pregnant women could be arrested and jailed for the crime of being incorrigible? The prejudice against these girls and their vile treatment was beyond horrible. This book is based on actual places and one woman’s true experience, making the story even more intense.
Sweet, young Olivia Rosetti gave in to her fiancé’s passion before he shipped out to fight in World War II, and the results of that one night changed the course of her life. Betrayed and disowned by her father, Olivia can never go home again, even after enduring eighteen months of violence at the women’s reformatory.
I couldn’t help but admire Olivia as she struggles to make her suffering a turning point, to reach out to others in the same predicament. Ruth is a true angel, coming to Olivia’s rescue and giving her a reason to live. Darius goes through a major change in attitude and choices, drawn to Olivia’s beauty of face and character.
Each character in this story became real to me. My heart hurt for the pain the young women endured, sorrow upon sorrow. The author has written a magnificent tale of forgiveness, faith in God, and sacrificial service that eventually can lead to great joy. A Haven for Her Heart affected me deeply and earns five stars. I was given a copy of this book by Baker Publishing and Graf Martin Communications..