After her beloved grandfather’s death, Emmaline Moore is shocked to discover that her “deceased” father is actually living in Canada. Having no other family, Emma decides she must find him, and so embarks on a journey across the ocean, accompanied by her best friend, Jonathan. Unfortunately, Randall Moore and his well-to-do family aren’t thrilled by her arrival, fearing her sudden appearance will … will hinder his chance at becoming mayor of Toronto in 1919. Despite everything, Emma remains determined to earn their affection.
Jonathan Rowe has secretly loved Emma for years and hopes that during their trip he can win her heart. Concerned that Randall might reject her, Jonathan is ready to console Emma and bring her home. When she informs him that she has no intention of returning to England, Jonathan begins to despair. Can he convince Emma to find value within herself rather than seeking it from a virtual stranger? And will she ever come to see that Jonathan is her true home?
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4.5 STARS!!!
The Highest of Hopes (Canadian Crossings #2) is about searching for identity and yet it doesn’t always come from where we think it should. Emmaline was raised by her grandparents in England, believing she is an orphan. Upon her grandfathers’ death, she discovers her father is alive and living in Toronto, Canada. Off she goes in search of him, thinking he will be as delighted to see her as she is to know she is not alone in the world. I could understand her desire to know her father and the circumstances surrounding why he would abandon her, never to return. Her dogged persistence, even when it is obvious things are not going as she hoped, remind me of myself when dealing with a certain situation in my life. Emmaline’s journey to understanding that her identity should be rooted in Christ and not a man has been a gentle reminder of Who I belong to and where my focus needs to be. All else will work itself out in time; as Emmaline will discover.
Jonathan Rowe. My, my, my. Susan Anne Mason knows how to bring life to a fictional character. He practically jumped off the pages for me. With a deep love for Emmaline, he decides to take the summer and travel with her to Canada, knowing on some level that the reunion with her father will probably not go as she has dreamed up in her head and heart. He is out to protect her at all costs until he realizes he must return to England and begin life anew without her when she tells him she is determined to stay in Canada! Jonathan epitomizes what it is to be a gentleman in his words, actions, and deeds. He isn’t perfect but he sure comes close. I loved his deep faith, and the honest yet vulnerable moments between his friend Reggie and himself. They both served in the war and this thread in the story is extremely well-written and deeply moving.
I’ll just say I didn’t like Emmaline as a person very well. She made me mad. I actually had to keep reminding myself she is fictional and the author has done a good job at developing her character too. But that didn’t (and still doesn’t) mean I have to like her. She gives Jonathan the run around one too many times and I wanted to jump in there and protect him! The Highest of Hopes is a historical fiction story full of life, love, and a cast of wonderful characters that will tug at your heartstrings.
I was gifted a copy of the book from the author and publisher. No review was required. No compensation has been received.
I loved Emma. She does rush into things without thinking them through all the way but she has such a good heart. Always hoping the best for everyone. Longing to be accepted by her father and his family, she tries so hard to please. I wish I could tell you how it works out but that would mean spoilers.
Jonathan usually thinks things through “six ways to Sunday” but occasionally he blurts things out. I liked how he was there to watch out for Emma, even if it did cause some strife now and then.
I really liked his friend Reg. He told it like it was. Reg was able to convince Jonathan that there was no shame or weakness in talking to someone about the after-effects of the war.
There is so much family drama, I found myself really disliking a few characters, my opinion did not change for all of them but a couple did redeem themselves, in my eyes anyway.
I adored Emma’s sister Marianne. She was so sweet.
It was nice to see a young woman taking charge of her life in this time period.
The last page has my favorite Bible verse but I don’t give spoilers. I highly recommend reading or listening to this book as soon as possible.
I enjoyed the little glimpses of characters from The Best of Intentions. Each book stands on its own though.
I was so blessed to receive an early copy from the publisher/author (a review was not required. All opinions are my own.) I pre-ordered the audible.com version and began listening to it as soon as it was available and listened all day today (March 5, 2019) I’m sure I will be listening again.
4.5 stars for this newest release from Susan Anne Mason! This book is book 2 in Canadian Crossings series but can be read as a stand-alone. I did not read the first book and was able to follow the storyline without any problems. It seems that this book actually parallels the timeline set in the first book (Best of Intentions) so going back to read the first book shouldn’t cause any confusion. With her trademark fluidity and skill, Susan Anne Mason weaves a story of hurt, longing, mistakes and blunders that are triumphed by grace, repentance, forgiveness, healing, and unconditional love set in 1919 Toronto. The thread of faith and real trust runs throughout the story; multiple characters in the story grow tremendously in their faith and trust. If you enjoy well-written historical romance, you will really enjoy this one.
There are several characters in the story that lend their voices to bring the plot together. The main characters are Emma, who leaves her home in England to find her father in Toronto whom she had believed had died, and Jonathan, Emma’s childhood friend who is secretly in love with her. Emma is quite obstinate, blunt, impulsive, careless, and a bit selfish as she enters her father and his family’s life with the force and surprise of a hurricane. Jonathan is industrious, level-headed, loyal, tender, and loving though he suffers from PTSD after the war. Then there is Emma’s father Randall, who basically abandoned his infant daughter in England to be raised by her grandparents, and his younger daughter Corinne, who is spiteful, conniving, and cruel in her selfishness. Though the only person whom I really liked was Jonathan at the beginning, Emma and Randall and Corinne all realize redemption and forgiveness and love are possible even in the midst of human bungling and became quite likable.
I am hoping there is a third book in the series and can’t wait to be able to read it! I was given a copy of the book by Bethany House and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
The Highest of Hopes is a truly delightful historical Christian romance! It is the second book of the Canadian Crossings series and is a stand-alone novel. A plucky heroine, a hero who won my heart, and a charming setting in Toronto just after World War I. Such a sweet, touching romance!
The Highest Of Hopes by Susan Anne Mason is a most charming Christian historical novel and the second book in the Canadian Crossings series. It can be read as a stand-alone.
Susan Anne Mason has created a wonderful set of characters who will warm the reader’s heart. There are cameo appearances from characters from book one which enhances the feeling of familiarity for the reader.
The year is 1919. The leading lady is searching for her father in a quest to belong and be loved. What she fails to realise is that God, her perfect Father, already loves her and has given her a home in Him. The family she searches for are flawed, they have their own agendas. Our true family is not always found in blood relatives but in the arms of those who love us.
World War I left its scars. Some are physical, others are mental. “Nobody really won in a war… It ate at your soul long after the gunfire had faded.” Shell shock was just beginning to be known and treated. “The horrors in his head were something he might never be able to erase.” There are some sights we can never ‘unsee’, but we can learn to manage the effects.
When fear rules lives, it immobilises. Sometimes we just have to ‘do it afraid.’ We need to master our fears especially if they affect the health of others. The reader witnesses a mother’s fear for her daughter in case she has a relapse of Polio if she pushes too hard.
The world was on the brink of change. The old order of marriage alliances for wealth and power was being challenged by the younger generation who wanted to marry for love.
Love is the greatest force. We are urged to love as seen in 1 Corinthians 13. Love has no room for self. It puts others first. God loves each of us completely as we are His unique masterpieces.
I am adoring Susan Anne mason’s stories. They are full of love and care with godly lessons for us all.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Susan Anne Mason has a wonderful talent for writing and her characters seem realistic. You can feel the angst, grief, fear and genuine affection of the characters as they faced trials in their relationships. You will fall in love with Emma and Jonathan, the main characters who are best friends but Jonathan wants more than friendship from Emma. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. Mason kept my interest the whole time, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. This book is a great stand alone, even though it is book two in the series. I also enjoyed the personal acknowledgment at the end of the story, detailing how some of the book was part of the author’s own history…………. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley and was in no way required to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own
This book certainly tugged at my heartstrings, I have a soft spot for friends-to-romance stories! Despite her impulsive personality, I wanted Emma to succeed in her mission to find love and family. Some of her antics made me cringe but hey, no one is perfect! Jonathan is everything loyal and hardworking. His sense of honor, duty, and love make him a winsome hero and anyone who can’t see that (ahem, looking at you, Emma) needs to readjust their priorities!
Jonathan and his friend Reggie were my favorite characters but there’s also an enjoyable subplot involving a couple of secondary characters we meet along the way. Readers who like Dear John letter references, post-War veterans, family drama, or themes of belonging, second chances, and faith will especially enjoy this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Jonathan Rowe has recently returned home after serving in WWI. His best friend since childhood, Emmaline Moore, has no idea that he has loved her for years. He has kept his true feelings hidden as she has shown no romantic inclinations toward him. He is now faced with a journey overseas to Canada with her as her companion. There is no way he was willing to have her travel alone across the ocean to meet a family she has never met before. He secretly hopes that he will be able to woo Emma, declare his intentions toward her and their future, and bring her home to England to begin their lives together.
Emmaline Moore’s grandfather has died. He was her only remaining family, or so she thought. She finds some letters in a desk drawer that reveal she isn’t an orphan as she had always been told. Her father is still alive and living in Canada. She has always dreamed of having the love of a parent and sets out to gain just that. She sells her grandfather’s watch business and sets out with her best friend, Jonathan, to join the father she always wanted. She has no doubt that he will be overjoyed to see her and embrace her with love. She arrives and discovers dreams aren’t reality, but she is determined to earn her father’s love. She decides to stay in Canada to do just that, but at what cost?
Susan Anne Mason has a wonderful talent by writing in such a way as to draw the emotions of the reader to her well-crafted characters. I was feeling the angst, grief, fear as well as love, friendship, and genuine affection of the characters as they faced trials in their relationships. I also enjoyed the personal acknowledgment at the end of the story, detailing how some of the book was part of the author’s own history. I can hardly wait for the next book from this author’s pen!
A wonderful book touching on some very real, very hard and heart-breaking issues!
I really enjoyed reading Jonathan and Emmaline’s story and traveling with them through their travels and struggles. I also thought it was very fun to read more about early collegiate life, especially for Emma and Corrine. And Marianne may have been one of my fave characters—she was so spunky and caring!!
Emma was also a great character, complete with flaws—she has an incredibly tender and kind heart, along with a heaping scoop of impulsiveness!
Jonathan was a kind, generous, thoughtful, and very self-sacrificial person. His love for Emma was strong, and the way he cared for her so selflessly was such a beautiful thing!!
Best friends Emma and Jonathan have always been there for each other, but when Jonathan’s feelings begin to change toward his dearest friend, and Emma’s careful life is turned upside down, everything changes….
Susan Mason did a wonderful job weaving a story of hope, second chances, and love. She dealt with the issues of PTSD (in a time when it wasn’t understood or treated well), abandonment, and loss in a very sensitive, heartfelt way.
An excellent read—highly recommended!!
The story was written quite well and the premise of the story had me intrigued. However, as I was reading the story I just had trouble liking the main character. I realize that people, including characters in books, are flawed. But the way she goes about doing things, such as barging in on her father’s home, with no warning, just seemed overdone. It was like that in other areas of the book.
So my main issue was with the main character, Emmaline. I was vested into reading about her and how she was resolved to find her father. One that she was lead to believe was dead all her life. But when she discovered that he was actually alive, she was determined to find him. For her to drag along her childhood friend, for a decision like that, just seemed outrageous. Selfish. She wasn’t someone whom I really wanted to know, more or less, I was curious as to how the story was to play out.
So for some you will like the book and the story, and for others, you may not enjoy it. I’m unfortunately in the later category. Despite this, I will definite try other books by Susan Mason, and not base this one experience on this story.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through NetGalley.
I really enjoyed Susan Ann Mason’s first book, The Best of Intentions, in the Canadian Crossings series; so I had high hopes that the next book, The Highest of Hopes would be just as good. The characters were very realistic, the setting was unique, and the plot was intriguing. The characters had both good and bad qualities which made them seem real since they were never perfect. . I even couldn’t completely dislike the characters that were mostly mean and nasty because they had something good about them. The setting in Canada was unique because I haven’t read many books set in Canada. I’ve read many books that take place in the USA or England but not Canada. The story itself was intriguing because I wanted know how everything would end, and I have to admit that part of the ending did surprise me a little, although not completely.
So, did The Highest of Hopes live up to my expectations for another great book in the Canadian Crossings series? Yes, it did! I enjoyed this book just as much as the first and am looking forward to another great book by Susan Ann Mason.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romance and to those who enjoy books set in Canada.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I love stories of friends who find out they are each other’s best match for life, so a story where a man tries to win his best friend’s heart proved irresistible. But the path to happily ever after is not a smooth one for this couple, with multiple misunderstandings and competing priorities. It makes for riveting reading; I was so invested I debated throwing the book a few times in frustration with the main characters.
Emmaline is a sweet character who often acts on impulse. While not always a bad thing, it does get her into some situations that don’t have to be as hard as she makes them. Jonathan is far more measured and willing to do almost anything for Emma, even crossing an ocean to help her find the family she didn’t know existed. Both of them are stubborn, which leads to trouble at some points in the story, but it also makes them very believable and even more likable, especially together.
This isn’t a light, romantic read, however. Emmaline is looking for her father, whom she believed dead. She had built up the man in her mind, but what happens when reality and the reunion are not what she had dreamed about as a child? There are some painful revelations she has to experience, including that we cannot make anyone behave the way we’d like, and sometimes love means fighting, while at other times, we have to let go.
While a difficult read in many places, this is a powerfully moving book about love in various forms, both romantic and familial. I recommend it for adults and up, but with a mild word of caution for those who may have a difficult relationship with a parent, to be aware that the theme runs through this book—it is hopeful, but also realistic, which may be hard for those in the middle of that particular struggle.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Wow!! Another winner from Susan Anne Mason!!
I loved “The Best of Intentions” and was eagerly awaiting for “The Highest of Hope” to arrive. I was looking forward to read about Emmaline Moore’s story. And I have to say that my eagerness was completely satisfied, beacause it was such a touching book.
After Emmaline’s beloved grandfather passing, she discovers some letters that her “apparently” deceased father had written to her over the years. So, after her initial shock, she is determined to travel overseas from England to Canada to search for his father and get acquainted with him and get some answers about her origins.
Jonathan, Emma’s childhood best friend, is a war veteran that is dealing with PTSD, and hopelessly in love with her. So when Emma decides to travel to Canada, he decides to go with her and keep her save, in hopes of gradually winning her love in the trip. But things are complicated, and he never expects Emma’s plans to permanently stay in Canada.
On top of things, Emmaline’s father and his family don’t seem very thrilled to welcome her into their lives. Randall is running for Toronto’s mayor and the appearance of his long-lost daughter could risk the coming elections. So he asks her to pretend to be his niece. Jonathan is annoyed and worried about Emma’s heart, but she just holds on to hope that her new family (her father remarried and has two daughters) will gradually accept and love her. Will that happen or will her heart be shattered if she discovers she doesn’t belong? Jonathan has being accepted in Oxford and he wants to fulfill his father’s dream, but how can he stand to leave Emma behind?
This was a beautiful story with wonderful characters. Emmaline was a wonderful woman, maybe a bit immature at first, but I loved her determination and constant optimist in spite of the circumstances she finds. She’s also kind and caring for others. It was humbling how she matures and slowly puts the needs of others before hers.
And I loved the way Jonathan explains to her that her true and unconditional Father is God, who loves her infinitely and just the way she is.
The plot is engaging and the characters rich. Even Vera, Randall’s wife, one of the antagonists, is so vividly portrayed, that you really want to throttle her!
An inspirational message about seeking God’s guidance in your decisions, and about discovering in God your self worth.
The love story is sweet and clean. I was rooting for Jonathan to win Emmaline the whole book until the end. And I loved the ending very much.
I totally recommend this book to lovers of the historical genre. The writing style is very good and rich in detail, descriptions and dialogue.
I received a copy of this book from the Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
It is June 1919 when Emmaline Moore boards a ship in England and sets off for Canada in the hopes of finding the father that she had presumed dead until six weeks earlier. Her best friend Jonathan Rowe travels with her and it is very apparent that he considers Emmaline (Emma) to be more than just his friend. Jonathan knows that Emma often acts without thinking things through but he loves her and he wants to protect her as she begins this life-altering journey.
Susan Anne Mason has a way of creating very realistic characters and Jonathan may just be my favorite character. I admired him for his strength and his loyalty and even though he had his own problems, he considered Emma’s needs above his own. Emma was a little more self-centered and I found myself being impatient with her tendency to take him for granted. The other characters are also multi-faceted and they often exhibit the many sides of human nature. This story spans about one year and we are shown bitterness, selfishness and downright meanness but we are also allowed to see genuine goodness and witness what love and forgiveness can do. Redemption is a positive outcome for many of these people and isn’t that what all of us hope for?
There are many twists and turns after Emmaline Moore finds her father and we are reminded that it is easy to overlook our blessings while seeking other goals. Emmaline’s longing for a father and a family overshadows just how fortunate she was to have been raised by loving and supportive grandparents. It wasn’t until later that she realized how blessed she had always been and “How ironic that she’d traveled thousands of miles, searching for home, for love and acceptance, when it had been with her all along.”
Emmaline had the highest of hopes that she would find a traditional family and Jonathan’s hopes were centered around his love for her. Hopes for an “everlasting love, forged from a common childhood, solidified by friendship, and strengthened by the challenges that had come their way.”
The Highest of Hopes is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and Christian romance and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House but I voluntarily chose to share this review.
The Highest of Hopes is the second installment from Susan Anne Mason’s series, Canadian Crossings. I loved the first book, The Best of Intentions, and this one does not disappoint. I loved Emmaline and Jonathan’s story. Their journey to Canada brings them on a adventure they could not have ever predicted. I enjoyed watching them grow throughout the book.
The Highest of Hopes gets a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend this clean, sweet and delightful book to other readers.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
What a beautiful story! The Highest of Hopes is the second book in the Canadian Crossings series. The books are held in parallel time, so you can read this one without first having read the first, but there are some things that will be clearer if you’ve read book #1, The Best of Intentions.
Emmaline Moore is a fun heroine! She’s spunky, smart, stubborn, and trying to fill a gap in her life. Jonathon is Emma’s best friend, a war veteran who suffers from PTSD, and is in love with her. As they travel across the ocean to find her father she thought was dead, you see how important their relationship is to one another. I really enjoyed reading how their friendship transformed and the choices they each had to make.
This is truly a sweet story filled with realistic challenges and struggles. I enjoyed it immensely!
I received a complementary copy of this book from Bethany House. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.
What an adventure I went on as I traveled with Emmaline Moore and Jonathan Rowe from England across the ocean to Toronto, Canada in search of the father that Emmaline thought had died long ago. Having no other family now, she felt it would give her a sense of belonging. Although the reception she gets is less than promising, Emmaline learns some important lessons:
“There’s only one parent’s love you truly need: your Heavenly Father’s. And the good news is you don’t have to earn it, and you don’t have to prove yourself worthy to receive it. You are loved for exactly the person you are, with all your faults and flaws. In His eyes, you are a masterpiece. His own wondrous creation.”
“. . . family is not always the people you’re born to. Sometimes they’re the people God places in your life. The ones who choose to love you.”
Susan Anne Mason sets the scene for her second book in the Canadian Crossings series with her beautiful prose and careful attention to historical detail. The main characters, Emmaline and Jonathan, are well-crafted and easily visualized, and the secondary characters add depth and charm to the story. Jonathan’s devotion to Emma, his courage and integrity, and his tender care of those he loves makes him an exemplary hero. “Sometimes we have to fight for the people we love.” Emma’s tenacity, independence, and sometimes headstrong ways add color and emotion. I loved seeing the growth in all the characters, and the way they learned from their experiences.
Threads of hope, courage, and the importance of family, whether related by blood or not, run through the tale. There’s a little intrigue, a little romance, a lot of growth and inspiration, in this very enjoyable story. Although this is part of a series, it’s also a standalone book. I’ve read several of Mason’s books, and they’re all wonderful! I’m already looking forward to her next one. 4 ½ stars out of 5
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Highest of Hopes ( Canadian Crossings #2 )
By: Susan Anne Mason
The Highest of Hopes is book two in Canadian Crossings Series. I was drawn in at the start and did not want to put down. This is Emmaline and Jonathan’s story. Emma learns that her father is alive after her grandfather dies. She travels across an ocean to find him. She needs a family so bad. Jonathan is Emma’s good friend and will not let her make the trip alone. Will Emma find what she is looking for? What about Jonathan and his feelings? Are things what they are suppose to be?
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Wonderful characters struggling to find love and acceptance. This story was a great lesson in taking a good look at what is right in front of us before seeking something that we may already have. Full review is at my website.
I received this book complimentary as a member of the author’s launch team. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed her are my own.
Fantastic! I had a hard time putting this book down. I loved the history and the romance. The story had many twists and turns. I was surprised by some of the revelations. I did feel that Emmaline was a bit selfish at times. I loved Jonathan. It is interesting to read about Canada. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.