This is second book in Redemption's Light series by Susan Anne Mason but definitely can be read as a stand-alone. In 1943 Toronto, WWII has torn apart the city's finances, morale, and people. Even though understaffed and under-budgeted, the Toronto Children's Aid Society works diligently to help the orphaned children find foster and forever homes. Jane is an unusual acting directress of the organization, but she puts her heart and soul into the work she does. Garrett is an auditor who comes to sort out the financial tangle within the Society but becomes so much more to Jane with his optimism, steadfast tenderness, disciplined integrity, and passion to help those in need. Their relationship is tested as they compete for the same job, chase after a hurting boy who likes to run away, and try to figure out the best path when their pasts push forward to take center stage in their present. Both Jane and Garrett are lovely and I really enjoyed learning about how the Children's Aid Society worked. The author does an excellent job of portraying the effects of the war in Toronto with sensitivity and tenderness.

If you're a fan of historical fiction/romance, you will surely enjoy this book. I received the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

To Find Her Place worked well as a stand-alone read. I was aware that there had likely been a previous book that told Olivia's story, but not having read it did not impact my understanding or enjoyment of this book. While there was little doubt of how To Find Her Place would end, the author kept me firmly in her grasp during all of the twists and turns while making it to the end. Jane Linder struggles with self-worth and childlessness. Garrett Wilder struggles with the physical limitations that remain from his service in WWII. Both are competing for the director's position at the Toronto Children's Aid Society, Jane from a position as a social worker, and Garrett from a business background.

I am grateful to have received a copy of To Find her Place from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Thanks to Bethany House for the free book.
I have been anxiously awaiting this book since I read the first one in this series last year, and it did not disappoint. I loved the focus on the Toronto Children's Aid Society during WWII. Mason highlighted the need for foster parents and how a consistent home can positively impact a child - this message is still needed today, so I just love the focus here. I also was captured by these characters right away. Jane's heart is so full of love, even when she has been dealt with such hardship. Garrett is slow to warm, yet I loved that part about him. It made his revelations that more genuine. The friendship between them was also sweet and full of respect - even when they were trying to get the same job.
I also loved Martin. What a sweet boy that just needed the love and attention he deserved. I liked how Mason used this character to show how the foster system can wreck havoc on these young children.

This is the second book in the Redemption's Light series but can easily be read as a stand alone.
We are back in Toronto at the Children's Aid Society. This is where the majority of the story takes place. It is ww11. Jane Linder is the directress of the Children's Aid Society and she takes her job very seriously, pouring her hopes and dreams into her work especially after her rather abrupt and unexpected divorce.
When Garrett Wilder is hired to give the agency an overhaul and investigate it's finances and operations she knows she's not going to like him. She feels threatened when she realizes her job is up for bid and he may be promoted to it.
As they work together a bond forms and the unlikely friendship may just be growing into more.
When a very unexpected opportunity comes up she believes she has wanted for a long time she has some very important decisions to make but we know God will lead her in the right direction.

Pub Date 08 Jun 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5 stars
This was such a touching story about loss and learning how to live again. To Find Her Place is the second book in Susan Anne Mason’s Redemption’s Light series. This was a great book and although I didn’t read the first book, I still enjoyed it! This series is set in World War 2, with relatable characters who you grow to love.
Jane Linder is just trying her best, she loves working with children and she wants them to find homes. Jane was a lovely character, she wanted so badly to do well. She didn’t necessarily love her job, but she enjoyed helping children. But when someone is sent to inspect the Children’s Aid Society, she fears for her position and that someone would find out that she was divorced. She was acting in place of a director and she was stretched thin. I liked Jane, she was hard working. However she was also kind, and it was sweet to see her care for the children. She longed for children of her own to fill a home, but that does not seem to be God’s plan for her. But there are children whom she holds dear, and they have a way of softening her. It was fun to read about her learning to trust God and trust Garret although they started off as “enemies”.
I liked Garret from the start. He was a kind man, who was put in an unfortunate situation. He wanted to help his parents on their farm, but because of injuries during the war he was unable. He does his best to help his parents, and a position as director would really help him send money to his family. I liked how he cared for the children. He didn’t always listen to what Jane had to tell him but he learned from his mistakes.
Jane and Garret were perfect together, obviously. But I liked how they complimented each other, they helped each other relax and enjoy life. It was sweet to read about them falling in love and bonding over the children under their care. But when Jane’s ex husband comes back, will their relationship be able to grow or are they doomed to fail?
To Find Her Place was a lovely book, the characters were wonderful. I really enjoyed Garret’s family, they were a lot of fun. And Martin, one of the children in the Children’s Aid Society, really added to the story. I would definitely recommend this book and I am super excited to see what is coming next in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

I posted my review on Goodreads, Bookbub, and Barnes and Nobles on 06/04/2021, I will post on blog and Amazon closer to release date

To Find Her Place by Susan Anne Mason is the second book in the Redemption’s Light series, but it is perfect as a standalone (there is a non spoiler cameo from the main character of the previous book, but that’s it). I loved book 1, but if I’m honest, I loved this book even more! It’s about Jane, a divorced woman who cares for her mother who has a weak heart, and is the temporary directress of the Toronto Children’s Aid. It’s quite a juggle for her, as she wants to do her job perfectly as she wants to become the permanent directress. But the board might be considering someone else, they send in Garrett to investigate if everything goes right as there is some missing money... and if he does a fine job he might just find himself with a permanent director job.

I just love a worplace rivalry... it makes for very funny banter! And the work place itself is so fascinating and yet a bit heartbreaking when you see the case workers have to make do with little space and resources, knowing that part was very well researched. There are so many aspects to children’s care, and with the shortages of World War Two it’s especially challenging. Garrett gets to know the place step by step (as do we), and he is in awe. But he’s also a kind and intelligent man, and begins to fix things, too, which makes Garrett and Jane grow closer together. But of course there are complications...

The plot is awesome, as are the side characters. You can’t help but love a troubled boy with epilepsy who gets rejected over and over again. And Garrett’s family is precious! They are very loving and kind despite their struggles, but not too perfect if you know what I mean. And Jane’s mom is awesome and sassy. But as much as I loved the secondary characters, I loved the interaction between Garrett and Jane the best. They’re so much better together! And the choices they had to face weren’t easy... there is also disability representation, as Garrett was injured in the war, and this plays a big role later in the story, and I think it was very realistic and well done.

All in all, with great characters, plot and pacing that’s just right, with romance, depth and a little mystery balanced perfectly, I just can’t think of a single flaw.

I received an e-arc through Netgalley but it hasn’t influenced my opinion.

To Find Her Place
by Susan Anne Mason
Bethany House
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
Pub Date 08 Jun 2021 | Archive Date 11 Aug 2021

This is the second in a series but it could easily be a stand-alone. It's the story of second chances and of learning to trust God and let him lead the way. It will be a hit in our library.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the ARC. I loved this book and its characters.

5 star

'Really, Lord? how much more agony am I expected to bear?'

It's WWII and Jane Linder is working as acting directress of the Toronto Children's Aid Society. Then a stranger is hired to do some quality control at the home and make sure Jane's doing a good job. Garrett Wilder has been injured in the war and there is not much he can do, and he hopes to qualify to take over Jane's job if his investigation proves she is not doing a good enough job. Jane loves her job but she is scared to death someone will find out she is divorced and change everything. And Jane is also taking care of her near invalid mother. Then there is Martin, the eight year old boy who cannot seem to find a place anywhere in any foster home.

'She was tired of being strong all the time. Tired of the constant weight of responsibility.'

All these ingredients add up to a marvelous story. Jane loves children and desperately wants to continue working with them. Garrett seriously needs a job that is not strenuous and can't work on his parents' apple farm. Then things get complicated when they began to have feelings for one another. Everyone at work thinks Jane's husband is off in the war.

Mason takes all these ingredients and puts together a book that you won't soon forget. It's rich and full and she knows how to delve into the depths of her characters' hearts and longings. Even the children. I had a hard time putting it down. And there are moments when tears flow at the goodness of God. Well done!

My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not expected to leave a positive review and the opinion here is expressly my own.

BOOK BY: Susan Anne Mason
What a lovely story of perseverance and overcoming impossible obstacles.
Even though this is book two in the Redemptions Light series by Susan Anne Mason, I had absolutely no trouble reading this book as a standalone. There is one character that has a cameo from book one, and it was enough to whet my appetite for going back to read book one.
I love that this book is set in Canada and is written by a Canadian author. The author does an excellent job describing Toronto as it was in the 1940s, taking the reader on a tour of the city as it used to be. I could picture the streets and some of the places mentioned, which isn’t often this reader gets to do that!
The story focuses on The Children’s Aid Society during a time when foster and adopting families were scarce due to the war overseas. The war touches the lives of the characters in many different ways, though it isn’t the dominant feature of the story.
Jane Linder is hiding secrets while pursuing her career at the Toronto Aid Society. Garrett Wilder has been hired by the Board of Directors to ferret out the culprit behind the society’s financial woes. It’s a battle between Jane and Garrett to win the directorship job – an office romance ensues, and all the conflict that involves. A runaway child, a sudden appearance of someone Jane never wanted to see again, an accident that nearly claims Garrett’s life, and so much more keeps the reader engrossed until the very end.
I quite enjoyed some of the twists thrown into the middle of the story causing Garrett and Jane to both face a moral dilemma, but also challenges their faith in God and in each other. I liked how the characters were both grounded in their faith and that it wasn’t a coming back to God kind of story, but that their faith played an integral role in their lives.
There’s a loveable cast of characters that bring depth to the story.
A great read. I’m looking forward to the next book.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Believing her chance for a family has passed her by, Jane Linder pours herself into the children and work at the Toronto Children's Aid Society. She bristles when Garrett is asked to come in to evaluate the efficiency of the operation. However, as they work together on some challenging cases, they come to appreciate each other.

I enjoyed learning about the operation of the children's home during WW2. I hadn't thought about how the war would bring unique challenges to the situation. I felt for Jane as she fought for a special, troubled child, Martin. My heart broke for him.

Mason's writing style flows. However, I felt the mystery was solved a little too quickly. Since it was included, I felt it should have had a bigger part. It was still an enjoyable read and I'd recommend it. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

To Find Her Place by Susan Anne Mason is a delightful look at the Toronto Children’s Aid Society during World War II. Mason did a wonderful job at crafting believable and heartbreaking realistic characters. Jane Linder was a motivated woman with a heart for the unloved children in Toronto, especially little Martin. While tons of families did not want him, Jane loved him and tried her best to find him a home. Then enters Garrett Wilder, a hero from the war who has medical issues, dives into the story as a search for truth, but as the story progresses, he starts to fall in love with the children and Jane. The romance moved along at a slow pace, which I enjoy. As for the plot, it was handled nicely. It kept my attention, and I flew through the story. Even though I really did enjoy reading the story, I had one issue with the plot. The World War II setting. I do not know much about Toronto during World War II, but the story really did not reflect much about the destruction of the war. There was mention of her rationing meat and sugar and Jane’s brother and ex-husband off to war, but other than those two things, this story could have happened in 1909 or 1887. Overall, To Find Her Place by Susan Anne Mason was a different story filled with rememberable characters. I can’t wait to see what else Mason comes up with next. Will she continue this series or move onto another idea? I guess readers will have to wait and see.

I received a complimentary copy of To Find Her Place by Susan Anne Mason from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

We are back in Toronto Canada and as with the first book we are helping children by way of the Children's Aid Society, and although this is the second book in this series that I have read, the book can stand alone.
The main character Jane Linder is reeling from the abrupt ending of her marriage, and trying to move on during difficult times. She has been named acting director of the CAS, and is loving her job.
Enter Garrett Wilder a wounded veteran who has been hired to find some missing funds. Yes, Jane is a suspect, but then so are others. Now Jane and Garrett get to work closely together, and are also helping the children.
Can these two hurting individuals form a relationship, maybe, and in the end help hurting eight year old Martin.
This story has so much going on, WWII, aiding children, missing and wounded soldiers, and just a bit of romance thrown in, and then you start page-turning for answers!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

TO FIND HER PLACE is the second novel in the Redemption's Light series by SUSAN ANNE MASON, but it easily stands alone. It is a sensitively written story of broken people, redemption, unconditional love and second chances, with unforgettable characters.
The story takes place in Toronto during the second world war with Jane Linder, the acting director of the Children;s Aid society, and Garrett Wilder, an independent advisor who is hoping to get the managing director's job now that his war injuries make it impossible for him to work on his father's farm. Jane also badly needs the job as she is divorced and takes care of her elderly mother. In spite of this they need to learn to work together.
Then we have the abandoned children, who are more numerous now due to the harsh wartime economy and the diminishing number of willing foster parents - a heart wrenching dilemma. Both Jane and Garrett believe that each child deserves a loving home in which they can develop their full potential.
There is a great deal more to the novel, which I found most inspirational. There is a strong sense of God's purposes and plans working out in people's lives as they learn to trust Him.
I am not going to tell you any more as I do not want to spoil the read for you.
It is a lovely book and one I highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I didn't realize that To Find Her Place is the second book in a series by Susan Anne Mason until I read the listing on Amazon. Then I read the description of the first book of the series and found I'd already read it and reviewed it. The main character of the first book makes a couple of cameo appearances in this one, but other than that, the two books can be read as stand-alones without any loss of context.
I'm finding that I love the way Susan writes. Her characters are flawed, but likable, her settings make her writings come alive, and the way she deals with societal difficulties is gentle and with dignity. In this book, she deals with a foster care system that is relatively new in society during the throes of World War II.

Jane is the interim directress of the Children's Aide Society in Toronto and deals with foster care placements as well as adoptions. Garrett has been asked to come in and review how the Society is being run, what improvements can be made, where cost-cutting measures can be taken, where fund-raising efforts should be enhanced, and to audit the books for discrepancies.

Jane wants to be the permanent directress of the Society, but her real strength lies in being a caseworker for the children and foster parents. There is one child in particular who has stolen her heart, simply because he has not been given a chance by any of his foster parents who claim they cannot deal with his recalcitrant ways and his medical condition.

Garrett also wants to be the director of the Society, and has a skill set that is more appropriate for the position, but working with Jane has him in a quandary. He's beginning to have feelings for her, but realizes that he can't let his feelings interfere with what he's doing for the Children's Aide Society.

Susan has included in this book several sub-plots with the encumbering conflicts that all have to be worked out in order for the protagonists to have a happily-ever-after. She pulls it all together quite skillfully and leaves the reader fully satisfied with how the denouement is resolved.

This is a five-star book with two thumbs up and a precious child finding love.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.