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4.0
Susan Anne Mason has come to be one of my favorite writers for character-driven historical Christian fiction. A Feeling of Home transported me to 1940’s Toronto, Canada and packed an emotional punch with heart-wrenching family dilemmas and a sweet romance. Isabelle Wardrop and Dr. Mark Henshaw both experience profound loss and have the responsibility of caring for a younger sibling. As an attraction grows between them, the choices their siblings make directly impact their relationship. With so many forces seemingly aligned against them, will they find the happiness and feeling of home they both long for again?
I enjoyed the emotional pull of this story. Isabelle is a strong-willed yet compassionate character who at first seemed like a spoiled, obnoxious socialite, but when her parents both die and she’s left penniless, she has to grow up quickly. I admired her persistence and willingness to sacrifice for her sister. She undergoes a massive transformation throughout the story and it was enjoyable watching her find hidden talents and strength.
Dr. Mark Henshaw is a caring, thoughtful, forgiving person. Despite the way Isabelle treats him at first, he understands where she’s coming from and forgives her behavior. I loved watching their relationship grow from friendship to more. Their siblings cause an awful lot of issues and while I predicted some things, there were some definite twists that added quite a bit of drama. The constant push and pull between Isabelle and Mark was almost too much at some points. Isabelle’s sister frustrated me, but her age and immaturity made her actions understandable.
The historical aspects of the story were interesting. I didn’t know much about how Canadians viewed WWII and it was fascinating to realize attitude differences compared with the United States. It was also interesting to learn about the polio outbreaks and sanitation issues in lower class neighborhoods, as well as how Dr. Henshaw’s work with unwed mothers impacted his career.
This book can definitely be read as a standalone. Although I hadn’t read the previous two books, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything and look forward to reading them. If you enjoy well written character-driven stories with plenty of drama and a sweet, tender romance, I recommend adding this book to your list. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through LibraryThing. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
I enjoyed the emotional pull of this story. Isabelle is a strong-willed yet compassionate character who at first seemed like a spoiled, obnoxious socialite, but when her parents both die and she’s left penniless, she has to grow up quickly. I admired her persistence and willingness to sacrifice for her sister. She undergoes a massive transformation throughout the story and it was enjoyable watching her find hidden talents and strength.
Dr. Mark Henshaw is a caring, thoughtful, forgiving person. Despite the way Isabelle treats him at first, he understands where she’s coming from and forgives her behavior. I loved watching their relationship grow from friendship to more. Their siblings cause an awful lot of issues and while I predicted some things, there were some definite twists that added quite a bit of drama. The constant push and pull between Isabelle and Mark was almost too much at some points. Isabelle’s sister frustrated me, but her age and immaturity made her actions understandable.
The historical aspects of the story were interesting. I didn’t know much about how Canadians viewed WWII and it was fascinating to realize attitude differences compared with the United States. It was also interesting to learn about the polio outbreaks and sanitation issues in lower class neighborhoods, as well as how Dr. Henshaw’s work with unwed mothers impacted his career.
This book can definitely be read as a standalone. Although I hadn’t read the previous two books, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything and look forward to reading them. If you enjoy well written character-driven stories with plenty of drama and a sweet, tender romance, I recommend adding this book to your list. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through LibraryThing. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
100_pages_hr's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
This was a great conclusion to the series. I thought Mason ties up all loose ends well and I was especially glad Mark got his own book.
I didn't expect to end up liking Belle as much as I did. But she showed a lot of growth in this book and ended up being a character I really admired.
I loved Mark in this book. I always respected him as a doctor, but this book made me love him as a person too. He wasn't perfect, but he admitted his faults when he needed to.
But what I've loved most about this series is how it has focused on helping people in need, the important of adoption and/or helping single mothers, and just helping others in general. It is a very inspiring series.
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
I didn't expect to end up liking Belle as much as I did. But she showed a lot of growth in this book and ended up being a character I really admired.
I loved Mark in this book. I always respected him as a doctor, but this book made me love him as a person too. He wasn't perfect, but he admitted his faults when he needed to.
But what I've loved most about this series is how it has focused on helping people in need, the important of adoption and/or helping single mothers, and just helping others in general. It is a very inspiring series.
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
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