In the aftermath of WWI, Grace Abernathy is determined to reunite with her family, crossing an ocean to convince her widowed sister to return home to England. Yet Toronto holds more tragedy and her nephew Christian is now in the custody of his paternal relatives, the formidable Easton family, who rejected Grace’s sister because of her low social status. Unconvinced the Eastons can be fitting … fitting caretakers, Grace jumps at the chance to be Christian’s nanny and observe the family up close under an assumed name. In the course of her new position, she is shocked to discover herself falling for Andrew Easton, the boy’s guardian. Unfortunately, Andrew is promised to a spoiled socialite who will make a terrible stepmother for Christian. Will Grace be able to protect her nephew . . . and her heart?
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As I read this book the title became more and more obvious of the, little white lies, or big ones, I could understand the author putting Grace in the position of wanting to fulfill her sister’s wishes and also wanting to be in life of this young child.
I found myself quickly page turning as we become involved in these characters lives, some you will quickly come to love and others, the old saying “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all”, sure comes to mind.
It has been one hundred years since WWI and the horrible Spanish Flu, and it is quickly fading from memories, I love that there are stories that help keep alive what this past generation went through and thank the author for bringing it to the forefront.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series, and hope to catch up on the lives of those we have already met.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is an absolutely incredible historical romance!
I love all of the main characters in this book. Though I was truly annoyed with Mr. Easton’s overbearing and demanding personality. I also wanted to slap Celilia silly because she was such a spoiled brat. All good stories need conflict and these two provided plenty of it.
I was delighted with both Grace and Virginia. They are both charming women and I wanted each of them to marry for love. They had plenty of obstacles to overcome before that would be possible.
The one character that I was the most impressed with was Reverend Burke. He was so calm and not judgmental. He was supportive and a good listener. He simply asked questions and then allowed those he was speaking with to think things through for themselves.
Most of the characters grew and matured throughout the story. They learned how to look to God for guidance and trust Him.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Mason does an excellent job of writing family dramas—the first series of hers that I read was about the O’Leary family, and the next novel was a standalone about a complex family tree, hidden for years. This book begins a new series, but the relationships within and between these families are both complicated and difficult. The result is an engrossing read that kept me turning pages and hoping for a happy ending, even as I couldn’t see how it could realistically happen.
I think most people will readily sympathize with the two main characters. I could relate to Grace in many ways—though I have thankfully not been burdened by guilt to this extreme, I could imagine how regrets and fear might take hold and lead to disastrous choices. Andrew’s difficulties are not the same, but he is no less burdened by the heavy familial duty he places on himself.
There is a lot in this book about perception, how we see others and how they see us. When feelings are hurt and pride gets in the way, relationships suffer. But I absolutely loved how this book shows that it doesn’t have to be a permanent condition; though not easy, resolution and restoration are possible. We have far more in common with each other than we know.
I really enjoyed this story of family, of misunderstandings, and of reconciliation. This is an engaging novel and an emotional beginning to the Canadian Crossings series. The characters are relatable and the setting is unique without being too far removed from other historical locales. I look forward to reading Emmaline’s story next, and hopefully there is a book in the works for Quinn as well!
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed are both honest and my own.
This is the first novel in the Canadian Crossings Series and it was a wonderful start!
In 1919 in the SS Olympics, Grace Abernathy meets Quinten and Emmaline and forge an unusual friendship. They all are on a special mission that takes them from England to Canada. This is Grace’s story. Hopefully, we’ll get to know about Emmaline and Quinten as well in books 2 and 3.
Grace is traveling by sea to Canada to meet her sister Rose who has been left a widow after her husband died in WWI and is alone with a child, due to her in-laws rejecting her and their son because they disapproved of their marriage because Rose didn’t have any social status and Frank was previously courting a wealthy socialite. Grace is devastated upon her arrival in Toronto when she learns that her sister has just passed away to the Spanish flu, and that her nephew Christian is in her in-laws care, the Eastons. Grace promised her ailing mother that she would bring back Rose and her nephew to England and know she’s at loss at what to do… Rose asked her to take her son in her care if anything should happen to her…
Andrew Easton has always failed to please his father like Frank always did, until Frank elopes with Rose. The family is devastated after Frank’s death I the war, and Andrew struggles to please his dad in the Easton’s hotel empire and trying to make the match that his father has orchestrated.
Grace fears for her nephew’s well being so she applies for the Nanny position after meeting Virgina, Andrew’s sister, in the park.
She accidentally meets Andrew when she hurts her ankle a few days prior so she is surprised to discover he is Christian’s ward and loves him fiercely.
So you can see how things can get complicated after this. I don’t want to tell you anymore because I don’t want to spoil the story.
I’ll just say that I loved it. The characters were endearing and felt so real. I liked that both Grace and Andrew were kind and compassionate and were willing to do whatever was best for the child they both felt responsible for. The romance was sweet and clean. I liked the dialogues and how they get to gradually know each other better, but must face many obstacles in order to make their feelings known. I also liked the secondary characters, like Reverend Burke or Mrs. Chamberlain.
The story plot kept me engaged until the end. It left me inspired with a positive message about love, forgiveness, standing up to what you believe is right and family love and honor.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, even teens. You won’t regret it. It was a story that has everything: drama, romance, intrigue, and even a bit of humor. Definitely a must read! I can’t wait to read the next books in the series!
This story grabbed my attention from the beginning. Filled with drama and emotion, these characters leap off the page and into your imagination with ease! I was kept up late into the night, unable to put the book down, because I just had to know how it was all going to turn out!
The story takes place in Toronto, Canada shortly after World War I. Many people have lost loved ones and as a reader you are welcomed into the various stages of their grief as they seek to establish a new normal for not only themselves but for their families as well.
This story has an over-arching theme of forgiveness. Learning to not only forgive others, but yourself as well as yourself. I appreciated the treads of faith woven into the story. There are lots of layers to enjoy in this story!
While the historical details are light, I did enjoy learning about Canada’s Dominion Day. I give this story 4.5 stars. Fans of Mason’s other stories are sure to be delighted by this latest addition! I for one am looking forward to the next story in this series.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Simply wonderful. I enjoyed everything about this story, the plot, characters, setting… All masterfully woven together to make my heart beat faster as I turned the pages. Great job! Full review is at my website.
I received this book complimentary from the author. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are my own.
Timing can be everything. For Grace she can not seem to please her mother, She lost her brother first when she was younger now she is on her way to help her sister with her new born nephew. But when she arrives in Canada her whole world is turned up side down. You will not be able to put this book down as you feel like you are Grace experiencing everything. I highly recommend this new series by Susan Anne Mason.
The Best of Intentions is the beginning of Susan Anne Mason’s whole new series, Canadian Crossings. I have loved her other previous books and this one is no exception. I loved Grace right from the start and admired her bravery, courage and determination. I had to keep reading, turn the pages, and not put the book down.
I give The Best of Intentions a well deserved five plus stars. Susan Anne Mason is becoming more and more one of my top favorite authors to read. I can not wait to see what happens in the Canadian Crossings series.
Highly recommended.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This is 100% my own honest opinion.
The Best Intentions is well-written with good character development. Susan Anne Mason does a good job allowing the reader to know the characters, both main and peripheral. I couldn’t help rooting for a good resolution to the break-down in Andrew’s family. I fully enjoyed the novel and plan to seek out more books by this author.
I admire Grace’s determination in fulfilling her promise to her ill mother. Not knowing what will happen on the other side of the ocean & facing the Easton’s who rejected her sister Rose is a mighty bold move in my mind. What she finds on the other end is not what she expected when she finds tragedy that scatters her plans awry! Even more bold, is obtaining the nanny position under the guise of an assumed name. Knowing the risk of the family finding out who she is, she forges forward in the desire to get to know her young nephew. Upon meeting Christian’s uncle & guardian, Andrew, the picture she had in mind is not what reality is. She quickly finds her heart tangling in feelings she doesn’t know what to do with. Not only is he handsome, but he truly cares for the boy and will do what is needed to care & provide for him. Along with the rest of the Easton family who’ve lost too much already–Mr. and Mrs. a son, Virginia aka Ginny, a brother. I think having Christian around is helping their hearts heal and Grace soon finds this to be true the more she observes them.
This is a story of how all of these things play out. For me, it was chock full of emotion both happy & sad. My heart went out to both Grace and Andrew as they struggled with regret, guilt, remorse and feelings of not being enough, especially when it comes to their parents. Also how there were many reminders that in spite of human feelings, they are always enough in the eyes of God and nothing will dampen His love for them. I really love how this came together and how it kept me engrossed in it. When you pick up a book to read and it’s as if you’ve literally stepped into the pages and feel a part of everything going on you know it’s a good one! I couldn’t help but feel like the characters were people I would like to get to know…though Cecilia tried my patience on more than one occasion. She’s the spoiled socialite. If I could have reached through the pages to shake some sense into Andrew, I would have! Grace is the epitome of her name; gentle, graceful, never afraid to speak the truth in love and softhearted. She’s everyone’s friend and feels things deeply. Andrew is the swoon-worthy hero, though he struggles with regret and trying to prove himself to his father. He’s loyal to his family and will do the right thing, even risking losing his own happiness for family obligation. But we all know you can’t fight true love and when it comes knocking on their doors, will they have the courage to open it?
Emotional and gripping, you don’t want to miss this! I can’t express how much depth this holds and all the layers the reader unfolds as the pages fly through your fingers. Susan Anne Mason is a master of telling stories that touch your heart and feed your soul at the same time. It left me smiling and wanting more and I can’t wait until the next book in the Canadian Crossing series!
P.S. It was fascinating to learn about Canada’s Dominion Day, July 1st. Seems to be much like our own Fourth of July celebration with family activities and fireworks to end the day with. Probably called Canada day in today’s modern world! How fun to learn history through fiction.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House publishers on behalf of the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own*
The book opens with three travelers crossing the ocean from Great Britain. We follow Grace and she tries to find her sister Rose and her son Christian. On a chance meeting Grace is helped by Andrew. Grace’s desire to see if her nephew is being loved by the grandparents her sister told Grace were unkind is where the story begins and she weaves her way into her nephew Christian’s life as a nanny. As the story unfolds you will see that both Andrew and Grace try to do the right thing for their family and things get complicated.
I enjoyed this book. I didn’t want to put it down. A great read!
‘Lord, I don’t know if this is a miracle or the biggest mistake of my life, but I’m going to have to trust you to guide me through it.’
Grace Abernathy travels from England to Canada in the aftermath of WWI to visit her sister Rose, who has married a Canadian and is now a widow. She discovers even worse when she arrives: her infant nephew is in the custody of his father’s family, a family who is highly thought of in society and who rejected her sister because of her own low social status. Grace is convinced the Eastons can care properly for baby Christian so she manages to procure a post as nanny to the child. Telling no one who she really is, she works under a different last name. She wants to see how this family lives and if they are reliable enough to care for the child. However, Grace never reckoned on falling in love with Christian’s uncle, Andrew Easton. Andrew is almost engaged to a spoiled socialite who wants nothing to do with the baby. Can Grace protect the baby and her heart? Or only one?
Susan Anne Mason has once again penned a wonderfully rich historical novel. She crafts believable characters and plots and draws her readers in from the very beginning. I enjoyed this book very much indeed.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Such a good story! When Grace first meets Andrew, she does not know who he is except that he is a nice gentleman offering her assistance. There is a bit of a spark. Their second meeting is different, and more unbidden sparks ignite. Both try to deny their feelings. Coming from dysfunctional families they don’t want to cause more disappointments, though Grace is never sure she will be able to make things up to her mother.
I felt so bad for Andrew, trying to earn his father’s approval, all his life.
It is with the best of intentions that both Grace and Andrew make a few rash decisions. Some will be life-changing.
I loved the side story of Virginia Easton and the struggles she’s dealing with to please her family. No spoilers but the girl does have a bit of spunk. She and Grace developed a strong, lasting friendship.
There are quite a few surprising moments, I loved them all.
Susan Anne Mason knows how to write a villainous character too. I despised Cecilia!
My heart was pounding in my chest for a while but was quite happy with the ending.
I highly recommend this book!