1944 Toronto. Wonderful continuation of the Redemption’s Light series, focusing on Isabelle and Mark. They both lost their parents and were responsible for taking care of their siblings. In Isabelle's case she also lost her home and everything when her father died. They went from high society to living in a slum with a servant's family. But she handled it graciously, learning how to do demeaning manual labor to support herself and her sister, genuinely caring for others regardless of their social standing or circumstances. Mark is a doctor who gives himself to taking care of every patient regardless of their circumstances. This is a journey for both of them, one of adjustment for them and their siblings. Complicated issues to deal with, lessons of Christian faith throughout. Wonderful characters, easy to visualize and get lost in.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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This book had an interesting storyline. A fair amount of tragedy happens to the Wardrop family, and the author deals with some pretty big topics--death, cancer, grief, suicide, teenage pregnancy, and poverty to name a few. The story moves along quickly as the Wardrop sisters figure out what to do after becoming orphans. Isabelle shows great strength as she faces her circumstances head-on. Her character changes from a spoiled, wealthy, young lady, to one of compassion who can identify with the working class.

I was glad to see that Dr. Mark Henshaw finally got his chance at happiness. This was a great way to end the series. Mark, like Isabelle, also has family issues to work through, and the author did a great job moving both of these characters through situations that helped to change them each for the better.

I liked that the book moved quickly, especially toward the last half of the book, and I thought that it was an enjoyable read.

*** I received this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

This is a wonderful historical romance. This has a fantastic story. I loved Isabelle who is very strong and learns to handle adversity very well. I also really like Mark who also has overcome some major hardships. I love how this shows how hardy people can be when faced with problems. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

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 very much enjoyed this story, set in 1944 Toronto. I have not read the prior stories in the series, I had no problem reading this as a stand-alone. I could tell that certain supporting characters had had their stories told previously, but I did not feel I was missing critical information. Both Mark and Isabelle have to deal with a series of blows affecting themselves and their families. The difficulties that they face in carving out a relationship are entirely in keeping with their tragic circumstances and personal upheavals, The misunderstandings can be frustrating to the reader, but they are believable.

I did question why WWII plays such a minor role in the story. It really doesn't come up at all until the end when one character joins the service. I realize Canada did not have a universal draft like the U, S. did, but it seemed strange that there were so many men in the story of an age to be in the armed forces who weren't, and no-one seemed to think anything of it. I was also unhappy that a character that cause a great deal of harm to Isabelle's younger sister was not held accountable in any way. But overall, it was a very satisfying story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. ( )