To Find Her Place

Heart tugging and Deeply Touching Historical Romance!

This is the second installment to the wonderful Redemption’s Light Series. The setting is in Toronto, Canada, during WWII. This series is very historical, it’s based on true events even if the characters are fictional. That’s what makes these books so special. It’s as if you’re transported to another time and place like in a movie, and live the character’s battles and struggles with them as if they were your own. This is how good the author writes and how well historically researched these books are.
In Book 1, “A Haven for her Heart” we follow Olivia’s heart wrenching journey as she endeavors to start a Maternity Home, to help abandoned women in need, as she once was. A beautiful, touching and inspiring story! Now, this new story, in continuity to the first, deals with Jane Linder and the Toronto’s Children’s Aid Society. Jane, after working as a case worker aiding orphaned children in getting adopted or into the care of foster families, is left to temporarily direct the institution, after Mr. Mills’s retirement. Having worked alongside with him, she aims to devote herself to this career, so she can keep helping troubled children have a better life. She also harbors deep wounds, after her husband left her because, after two miscarriages, the doctor diagnosed her as unable to carry a child. But she earnestly wishes for and needs the job, as she is the caretaker of her mother whose health continues to decline. So, when the Board Members, with an air of distrust, assign her a man to supervise the operations at the Children's Aid Society, and she how they can be improved, she can’t help getting tense. Especially when said man is also competing for the same position as Director that she seeks with all her heart! And if they find out that she’s a divorcee, she will definitely have no chance!
Garret Wilder has been hired, not only to oversee the operations of the Children’s Aid Society, but to investigate a report of misused funds. Through this investigation he wants to earn the vacant director’s position. A war injury impedes him to take over his parent’s farm, but with a secure job he can help save the family business and that means a great deal to him.
But sweet, kind and professional Jane is not the person he expected to meet, the same as Jane is surprised to discover her investigator is not as mean intentioned as she expected. As a friendship blossoms between them as they care for some of the children’s needs, feelings start to grow, despite being at odds competing for the director’s position. Will this friendly competition attempt to destroy the fragile yet beautiful and sweet relationship they are starting?
Then, Jane’s ex-husband unexpectedly visits with a very tempting proposition, putting Jane at odds. Will her decision take her away from Garrett and from the life of service to needy children that has fulfilled her so much until now?
This was a beautiful story that tugged all the strings of my heart! I love that it is really a historical novel, as the Children Aid Society of Toronto existed and the author did a deep researched about how it started, operated, etc. Even Mr. Mills, the managing director who retired was a real character! Jane and Garrett, and the rest, are fictional characters, of course, but their story felt so realistic to me, probably because of how well researched the setting and historical period was, I really felt as if I was transported with them to Toronto in WWII era!
I also fell in love with the characters. I rooted for Jane and her desire to make a difference in the children’s lives. Her kind and compassionate heart inspired me, as I learned from her patience, prudence, strong determination, and loving nature. The way she cared for her mother and was so selfless that she didn’t have practically time for herself. I also struggled with her when she had tough decisions to make, but the way she let God guide her through it all humbled me. Garrett was a wonderful hero too. A bit stiff at the start, but I quickly warmed up to him as his lighthearted nature began to shine, his love of family and children, his generosity too. He had a heart of gold too, and I loved his way with the children! And the way he talked to God was endearing and humbling, he was so honest and wanted to do what was right for everyone. There were also secondary characters I loved, best of all cute and rebellious little Martin, he tore at my heart. No child should ever feel unwanted, and Jane and Garrett made sure of that! I also liked the way Garrett made Jane feel beautiful and worthy, when she was struggling so much with self-worth, because of her inability to have children.
The plot of the story was engaging, it never dragged, it had enough twists, like the mystery of the disappearing money, and I was so sad when the story ended, I wanted more time with these characters!
All in all, a truly inspiring story of unconditional love, true worthiness (which is always so big to the eyes of God) and sacrifice! I vividly recommend it to anyone, especially historical romance lovers!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.