To Find Her Place

 

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.