Olivia Rosetti finds her passion for helping women through her own horrific experiences and estrangement from her family. But after making her dreams a reality, it is all threatened by a man who she is both drawn to and who could dismantle everything she's worked so hard for.

My heart went out to Olivia for all that she had been through, and I loved how Ruth took her in and supported her dreams. Ruth was one of my favorites. Olivia has a big heart for others and I liked how she was able to relate to the women and understand their struggles. Darius is a man who has worked hard for his position, he wants the best for his daughter and has his own ideas about what that is. Sophia is a darling child, I loved her childish innocence and big heart. At first I wasn't sure about Darius, but he did end up surprising me.

Overall, in some ways this was a difficult read because of everything that poor Oliva had to endure, yet I think that it did a good job of showing the very real struggles that women faced in that time period. I liked that she held to her faith, and used what happened to her to help others rather than be bitter. A gritty and heartwarming romance, with a determined heroine who has a heart for others.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

There have been a number of Christian fiction authors taking up more serious topics, and Susan Anne Mason is one of them with this book. I thought it was well-written, and I appreciated her treatment and depiction of a sensitive topic.

“God wouldn’t want you to remain a prisoner of your shame, Olivia. You are His beloved child, forgiven and redeemed.”

Wow. This book took me through the gamut of emotions & reactions and – let me just say – there are several people on these pages who need a good old-fashioned purse whomping. And I’m happy to load my tote with my heaviest hardcovers and join in the doling out. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to know that, while this novel is fiction, it’s partially based on true events & a real person’s experiences. But for every person in this book that I wanted to purse whomp, there are just as many people in A Haven For Her Heart who are actively being the hands and feet – and love – of Jesus to a hurting world, and they are what gives this emotional story its heart & its hope.

Olivia Rosetti is an incredibly compelling character, and her inner strength, the way she uses her pain to make things better for other young women in desperate situations, is so inspiring. It reminded me of Joseph and his words recorded in Genesis, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” (Gen 50:20, NLT) Yet even the strongest warriors carry battle scars, and Olivia is no exception. Neither is her rescuer, Ruth Bennington. I loved how these two wounded souls unite to change the outcome for other women, and I thought Mason did a beautifully tender job of telling their stories. (Also, can we talk about how pretty that cover is?!?)

And now we come to Darius and Sophia, his adorable little girl. For all storm clouds of emotion on these pages, Sophia is a ray of sunshine who brings smiles & laughter & joy wherever she goes. I adored this little imp and how she ministered to Olivia with her pure-of-heart ways. As for Darius – sometimes you’ll want to purse whomp him (not gonna lie) and the rest of the time you’ll be fanning yourself over his swoony kisses. But you’ll also be rooting for him as he finally solidifies his own convictions and stands behind them – and Olivia.

Perhaps my favorite part of A Haven for Her Heart, though, is the multiple ethnicities and walks of life that are represented in this story: immigrants, wealthy widows, single fathers, unwed mothers, businessmen, abused wives, priests, prostitutes, working class men & women, disgruntled neighbors, corrupt officials, frazzled social workers, and troubled debutantes. It’s unusual to get a glimpse of Canada (or any setting, really) from so many different angles in one story, and to have them flow naturally into one seamless narrative. But the author pulls this off with apparent ease.

Bottom Line: A Haven for Her Heart by Susan Anne Mason is not an easy read and your emotions will be a little bruised by the time you turn the last page. But you will also find healing and hope here, an unequivocal reminder that God is not the author – or the retainer – of shame and that, no matter how deep is the pit you find yourself in, His love and grace are deeper still. The story is so gripping that you won’t be able to put it down, and your reader heart will be forever touched by this parade of people who are wounded, yes, but also dearly loved of God. In meeting them on these pages, you may very well see your Savior in their eyes. And that, my friends, is the mark of a book that will stay with you for years to come.

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.

A Haven for Her Heart is book one in Susan Anne Mason’s newest series, Redemption’s Light. Olivia Rosetti opens a maternity home after her release from a women’s reformatory in 1939 in Ontario, Canada. Darius Reed aims to close the home on behalf of his boss until meeting Olivia throws everything he was sure of into chaos.

First of all, you need to read this book.

Secondly, don’t read this book if you’re a woman who has faced a traumatic birth or adoption story and are not ready to read about characters facing similar situations. The author does a wonderful service explaining this before the story begins and as someone who has faced a traumatic birth, albeit with a supportive family, loving husband, healthy children, and good doctors around me, I was grateful for the warning.

Thirdly, if you have not faced such a trauma, please read this book. Why am I insistent on that point? Because the message of this book is so very important. Even though, as I said, I had the best care, the love of family and friends, and a positive outcome for myself and my baby, I came through a medically traumatic birth situation. The main character in the story did not the benefits I did, but she turned her story into a way to help other women.

Sometimes numbers, statistics, and memes can only reach so far in telling the facts of a situation like maternal health and mental health. When that situation is played out in a story, it becomes real because it allows us to identify with the characters, to feel with them. The author facilitated this well by bringing in a handful of characters from many different walks of life to cross Olivia and Darius’ paths, and thus our own.

Because of my own trauma story, I was hesitant to read A Haven for her Heart, but I knew I had to read it as soon as I saw the main character was of Italian heritage (like me). I’m so glad I did, too. And while the story takes place at the beginning of WWII, stigmas showed in the story are as strong as ever today, so I truly hope stories like this will continue to bring awareness to the change needed in maternal care.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Heart-wrenching "reality"
Susan Anne Mason uses the memory of Velma Demerson who was incarcerated at the Mercer Reformatory for Women in Canada as inspiration for Olivia Rosetti's journey in her book "A Haven for Her Heart" which was published by Bethany House. "A haven for Her Heart" is the first book of Mason's series which is called "Redemption Light". Olivia is arrested and spends 18 months at the Mercer Reformatory for Women before being released - homeless, penniless, friendless. Refused by her father just because she had a child out of wedlock which was taken away from her and put up for adoption against her will. A chance encounter with Ruth Bennington who also has a painful past provides her with safety and much more. Her encounter with Darius Reed, a Greek widower and father of Sofia, is challenging for her. Will he be able to teach her the value of unconditional love while also mirroring God's love for her?
I really appreciated Olivia's statement in the epilogue: "I never believed I could be this happy. Only God could have dreamed up such blessings for me", because it underlines that God can change things. Mason uses great and believable characters in her book and it is important to note that the story is heart-wrenching. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book to readers who do not shy away from novels that cover historical realities and I am looking forward to the other books in this series.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#AHavenForHerHeart #NetGalley

Reading a book centered around a home for unwed mothers was hard but Mason did a good job of balancing the hard with good and including a wonderful love story.

Darius was a wonderfully written character. He was truly flawed in his thinking but also willing to admit when he was wrong. He was also terribly romantic and I totally fell for him.

Olivia went through so much in the pages of this book. I was completely heartbroken for her. I was so relieved when she began to find a way through all of her hurt. I also really admired her drive to help others.

Sofia stole the show as children in books usually do. I loved her so much!

I love it when historical fiction writers teach you things about their nation's history. What Olivia went through was terrible.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Basically this is a story about a young woman who is pregnant before marriage. Her family kicks her out of their home and enrolls her into a reformatory until the child is born. After it’s born, it’s immediately adopted and she has no place to go. Her family wants nothing to do with her and she is left to the mercy of the streets. Mercifully she is helped by Ruth Bennington who helps her get back on her feet.

Together they start a maternity home for the mothers with no place to go, single and often time homeless. But to start a home doesn’t have it’s own set of challenges, especially when you have a big developer wanting the land that the home sits upon.

The story was intriguing and captured my interest. It had been awhile since I really sat down to read a book and found myself lost within the pages.

This is a beautifully written Christian fiction historical novel. The themes of love, grace, friendship, and second chances make this very compelling reading. I felt deep compassion for Olivia, and the historical details that the author weaves into the storyline adds extra depth to her story. It’s a good reminder to all of us to look at each person as being much more than their past mistakes; and that they are worthy of God’s love and our respect. This book will touch many of your emotions, and is not a story that you will soon forget.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A Haven for Her Heart is a story that will touch your heart. Set in 1939, it broaches the subject of women who found themselves in trouble with no place to go. Canada was in the throes of World War II and sending its young men to serve across the Atlantic. Olivia Rosetti gave more than her heart to her fiancee and it had devastating effects on her life. He was killed in battle and she found herself pregnant, alone and unmarried. Today, society doesn't have the same stigma as it did in a time when women in her situation could be arrested and suffer the treatment Olivia experienced.

Alone, forlorn after the birth of her son, she found herself seeking shelter in the church where she met Ruth. Ruth opened new doors and together they were an inspirational team. I enjoyed this book, not only for the well written story but also for the well developed characters who emerged resilient and strong. Thank you #Bethanyhouse and #netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jailed at the age of 17, Olivia Rosetti has been deemed "incorrigible" after a bad decision the night before her fiancé's departure for the war results in pregnancy. It is 1939, and she has been sentenced to spend time in Canada's Andrew Mercer Women's Reformatory, a place known for the unethical treatment of, and experimentation on, its residents. After her release in 1941, Olivia is destitute and alone with no prospects for a job due to her recent history.

Wealthy widow Ruth Bennington is also alone in the world and prays for a death that God refuses to grant her. When she comes upon a sobbing Olivia in a church pew, they both soon realize He has plans for them that they never could have imagined. Together, they will turn Ruth's mansion into Bennington Place Maternity Home, a safe haven for women in need. Unfortunately, between judgmental neighbors, and a vengeful real estate developer, their dreams might come crashing down around them.

The tragic and violent loss of his wife has led Darius Reed to the decision that prejudice will not harm his daughter the way it did him and his wife. Their Greek roots will be discouraged, and he will do what it takes to make a better life for his little girl. Once he encounters the women of Bennington Place, he is forced to take a second look at everything he thought he wanted and needed in his life.

A Haven for Her Heart by Susan Anne Mason is the first book in the Redemption's Light series. Olivia's character, and what she and other prisoners suffered during their time inside the Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women, was inspired by real life Velma Demerson and her incarceration. Because this is a work of historical Christian Fiction, we are spared the graphic details, but we learn enough to get the idea of the abuses and torture inflicted and what would drive Olivia to want to provide a more forgiving and inspiring situation for pregnant women.

The main theme of this book is clearly redemption, but the ways in which the need arises and how it is attained, are varied. The author does a good job of showing the existence of hope for forgiveness and second chances no matter what the character's walk of life while also making it clear that there are sometimes consequences, as well.

There is just one minor issue that I have. Other than the description of a dress that was definitely a 1940s frock, I didn't get the clear feeling that I was stepping through the literary door into another era. There were times that I had to remind myself the story wasn't set in modern times, so I didn't feel as immersed as I prefer to when reading historical fiction.

The ending was written in such a way that the reader isn't left hanging, but I am looking forward to the next installment to this series to see where the storyline takes us and the characters. In the mean time, I do love when a book inspires me to do research, and that is what I will be doing in order to delve deeper into the Mercer Women's Reformatory and the story of Velma Demerson herself.

Thank you to Bethany House and to Netgalley for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The first book in the new Redemption's Light series, A Haven for Her Heart kept me reading to learn of Olivia's story.
Olivia is a young woman living in Canada in the late 1930's living at home with her parent's and siblings. After she divulges her pregnancy to her family her father is so upset saying she has shamed the family and kicks her out.
The book is based on the author's research of another young woman who in the 1930's was pregnant and incarcerated.
The book was hard to read at times because of the unfairness of Olivia's treatment. It was gritty and factual.
Olivia craves respectability but doesn't feel she'll ever deserve it because of the mistakes she's made in the past.
Will she ever give herself a chance to let herself fall in love or will she be held back by society's idea of the "ideal" woman?
Very thought provoking book that I enjoyed reading the author's insight and I look forward to her next books in the series.

Pub Date 13 Oct 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Susan Anne Mason is among my must read authors and I was so excited when I received A Haven for Her Heart. This begins her Redemption’s Light series and it is just what I expect from Susan’s writing. I loved Ruth and Olivia. They were two special and courageous women.

I am giving A Haven for Her Heart a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy faith inspired clean historical fiction. I can not wait to get my hands on the second installment from the Redemption’s Light series, To Find Her Place.

I received A Haven fir Her Heart from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This is a heart-breaking yet hopeful story. The author said she was inspired to write about Velma Demerson, who was arrested in Toronto in the 1930’s for being pregnant and unmarried….”Velma’s story provided the inspiration for Olivia Rosetti to open a facility for unwed mothers.”

The author goes on to state,” it’s a little grittier than the usual books I’ve written. But the horrors that Olivia goes through really happened to Velma and to many other incarcerated women. Eventually, the Mercer Reformatory was closed down, but not until 1969 – thirty years after Velma’s stay there. It’s hard to imagine such atrocities occurring so recently in our history.”

The Female Refuges Act in Toronto, Canada allowed woman to be imprisoned who became pregnant out of wedlock. Olivia is sentenced to Mercer Reformatory where she endured unspeakable, concentration type stuff. This author has done her research for this well-written novel that gives a peek into Velma’s story through the eyes and life of Olivia. I liked how the author balanced the story by making readers aware of the unthinkable, horrific torture Olivia endured without showing too much of it to where you had to stop reading.


This author talks about hard topics such as domestic violence, prejudice, bullying, death, and racism in a sympathetic way. She has you feel for Olivia Rosetti and Ruth’s characters story and how they are over comers. I found myself cheering for these ladies as they bloom and grown into what they are called to do. This is a realistic look at the topics and how the community felt about this house being in their neighborhood. It is not pretty. The author does a great job of showing how we all make mistakes, and we all have access to redemption when we ask God to forgive us, which then frees us to forgive others and ourselves.

Olivia soon learns hard lessons about life outside prison walls. She thinks, “Freedom, it turned out, came with a whole new set of problems, proving she wasn’t really free at all. Instead, she was homeless, penniless, and friendless. Where could she go? Did she dare darken her parents’ doorstep? Without even enough money for a bus fare, it could take an hour to reach her family’s story on foot. If she did, and she was able to get her mother alone, would Mamma help her? Or would obedience to Papa keep her from aiding her only daughter?”

This book would work out great for your next book club pick there is so much to discuss. These characters and their story will stay with you long after you close the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Why does bad things happen to good people? We often ask. Does anyone have the answer?
This book yanked on my heart as I read of Olivia's plight. Olivia went through such terrible atrocities. But the shame and pain stayed with her even after she was physically free. She was not completely free until she laid her burdenS down and left it with GOD.

I loved the book even when at times it was difficult to imagine that this could happen. Susan Anne Mason wrote this powerful story about Olivia and the people she met on her journey. Each character really had to look at themselves and evaluate what they stood for. Forgiving ourselves for past behaviors or decisions is difficult to do. We can sometimes forgive others easier than giving ourselves any slack.

Fortunately, this is Book one of the Redemptions Light series. I couldn't put it down. I will make sure that I will get the next one.

I received this book for free to review from Bethany House Publishers.

It is hard to put into words how amazing this book is! I honestly had no idea what it was about when I picked it out to read. I was just interested in the cover and the author.

After beginning to read, I discovered an entire history I knew nothing about. Susan Anne Mason has done a wonderful job of researching a topic that we find unbelievable today while bringing us in to the storyline with hearts wide open.

The characters are lovable and realistic. The character development is amazing and connects us to the characters in an emotionally bound way.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to submit a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I think A Haven for Her Heart might be my new favorite from Susan Anne Mason. The author tackles some hard truths lived by women in the 1940's era. Olivia Rosetti's journey to friendship with both Rugh Bennington and Darius Reed is a tumultuous one, given her wounds. But she is a survivor.
Each of these characters must face not only their own personal baggage but navigate prejudice and societal pressures and carve out their place in the world.

An unforgettable read!

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

This is an amazing book. I didn’t want to put it down. I think this is my favorite Susan Anne Mason book I have read so far and I am super excited that this is the beginning of a series. I can’t help but wonder who will be the main characters…did we meet them in this book?

Olivia’s story is so heartbreaking but this id definitely a Genesis 5020 story. Her and Ruth use their heartache to help other woman. I can’t even imagine loosing all that Olivia lost in her life. But this book displays God’s goodness and redemption.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

WOW! This was a deep and heartwrenching g story that swept me up! I love Susan Anne Mason’s stories, and with this one, the start to a new series, I had high expectations… I have to say those expectations were completely surpassed! This story tore at my heart and was even more realistic and dramatic, yet always so hopeful and inspiring, that I was engrossed in Olivia and Darius story, wanting to know more about them, rooting for them to pursue and fight for their dreams, which will eventually lead them to each other…
A short synthesis of the plot: It’s 1939 and Olivia Rosetti is liberated after almost two years from the Women Mercer Reformatory in Toronto, Canada. Her crime: getting pregnant out of wedlock (yes, you heard right). Worst of it, she was abused and separated from her child, she does not know where he ended up. After being once more rejected by her family, in her most darkest moments she seeks protection in a church, where a kind and lonely widow -Ruth Bennington- who has lost her sense of purpose, finds her and invites her to her home. That’s how they become friends and the idea of founding a maternity for women in need of help originates and begins to unfold. Soon after a couple of months, they are ready to start, and women begin to arrive. But things are not as easy and obstacles will soon find their way to them. One in the form of handsome greek widower Darius Reed, who is a succesful businessman, which boss wants the Bennington Home for Women's land for his own financial purposes. Darius has the task to convince Ruth Bennington to sell the place, and he’s pretty good at convincing, but this time, his convictions will be turned upside down, as he meets selfless Ruth and beautiful, passionate and compassionate Olivia, and the beautiful and merciful proyect they are giving their life and energy for. Darius has struggles of his own, wanting to protect his daughter from the prejudice that killed his late wife by marrying into high class society. But is his goal what God really wants for him? And while Olivia hides her shameful secret from Darius, will love help her open up and trust him? Will he reject her or be worthy of her trust and see past human mistakes into the beautiful woman inside out she has become?
The story was so compelling from the start. I was aware this book was based on true facts that took place in Canadian history, so this made the book all the more real and relatable. It is so sad to think society and the law would subject “fallen” women to such abuse and inhumanity to set some moral example. But much worse things happen right now to women, guilty or innocent, so this story rang true. And it touch the deepest cords of my heart in compassion for them. Olivia was a wonderful character. She was courageous, compassionate and resilient. Of course she was ashamed because of society standards and wanted to keep hidden her secret. She also needed forgiveness from God and from herself. The way she reaches this point was a beautiful sight to behold. God’s unconditional love and forgiveness to each of His children no matter what. The book’s message about redemption is touching and so inspiring. Darius has his own character growth in the story and I was fascinated by him too. He was a true hero. I don’t want to spoil the story. I’ll just end up saying I totally loved it, the plot, and the characters. The loved the main characters, but I also loved the secondary characters, Ruth being one of my favorites.
A highly and worthy recommended book! Can’t wait for the second installment in this series! I’m only sorry that I have to wait so long!
I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

A Haven for Her Heart by Susan Anne Mason is the first novel in Redemption’s Light series. I thought Susan Anne Mason tackled some difficult subjects in this historical novel and she did it beautifully. A Haven for Her Heart is well-written and well-researched. Olivia Rosetti finds herself imprisoned after becoming pregnant out of wedlock under the Female Refuges Act in Toronto, Canada. She is sentenced to Mercer Reformatory where she endured unspeakable tragedies. This story is based on true events. Olivia’s story is heartrending and hard to read at times. The author walked a fine line between explaining enough and not too much. I was glad that she did not give the nitty gritty details. A Haven for Her Heart is an emotional story that deals with domestic violence, prejudice, archaic laws, and bullying, I liked the characters especially Olivia Rosetti and Ruth Bennington. They are Christian women who have not let the past make them bitter. They are kind, compassionate women who wish to help others. They rely on God to see them through the struggles they must endure. A Haven for Her Heart is a gritty novel that is different from this author’s other works. I found the story compelling and stayed up quite late to finish it. I like that the story is not all sunshine and roses. It provides a realistic view on the various subject as well as representative outcomes. The one thing that stuck with me from A Haven for Her Heart is that we all make mistakes and that we are all worthy of redemption. A Haven for Her Heart transports readers back to a different era for a touching story that will linger with you long after you finish it.

Thanks to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved Mason's last series, so I was super excited to start this next one of hers, and it did not disappoint. This book handles some heavy topics - a father having her daughter arrested for having a child before she was married - and the aftermath from that decision. I loved Olivia's storyline. She used her troubled past for good, yet this character still struggled with what was done to her and had to work through the shame that others burdened her with.
I also liked the dynamic between her and Ruth. There was a good balance of wisdom between these women. I found their goal of opening and maintaining a maternity home to be a great plot for this book.
Darius and Olivia's relationship takes time and honesty to develop. They have to work through tough struggles, but with the grace of God, they both grow into the person God wants them to be.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series - I know it's going to be so good!