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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I pray you find the love and acceptance you’re looking for with your family. You deserve that…and so much more.”
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I love the setting of Canada. It is a rare one, especially during this time period. I live close to the border so I find much interest in this country,
The characters are believable and well done, though Emma definitely needs a good lecture now and then. Who would say what a person would do in her shoes. Marianne was so pleasant, and though a secondary character…I really think she was my favorite.
With an interesting storyline, wonderful setting,and well developed characters this was a very enjoyable read!
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 do 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 wondrous creation.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Do you think you can put your pride aside and simply love this woman without expecting anything in return?
Susan Anne Mason created such a vivid story. While reading, it’s like the story came to life. I could almost feel Emma’s pain and joys. I really enjoyed this book! I can’t wait for the next one!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This book pulled me in and didn’t let go, trying to place myself in the shoes of these character’s Emmeline and Jonathan, and their love story.
I can’t imagine the pain Emmeline receives as she goes to meet her father, one has to remember that this is a different time and place, a period of rebirth right after the Great War.
Also, as we walk with Jonathan and see what a hard time he seems to be having both in his war experience and what seems to be his unrequited love of Emmeline.
This becomes a real page turner as we want to know how everything ends, but then I really wanted to spend more time immersed in this book.
Now not so patiently waiting for the next in the Canadian Crossing Stories.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Susan Anne Mason is a wonderful writer of historical romance. With her newest novel The Highest of Hopes, Mason crafted a story filled with heart, romance, and wonderful characters. Mason brought the world of 1919 Canada to life with her words and her descriptions. While the plot isn’t original, I did enjoy reading it and flew through the pages of the story. The romance between Emmaline and Jonathon was one-sided for the majority of the story. I really liked how Mason created a romance from Jonathon’s perspective before Emmaline came on board. This was really unique, and I enjoyed it. Jonathon’s emotions rang true, even when Mason described the symptoms of PTSD from Jonathon. Overall, The Highest of Hopes was an entertaining read populated by wonderful characters. This book definitely belongs on my keeper shelf with all of Mason’s other novels.
I received a complimentary copy of The Highest of Hopes by Susan Anne Mason from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
A lovely read about a young woman desperately wanting the love of a father she had never known. And a young man who desperately wanted the love of his childhood friend, and traveled an ocean to show her.
This book had lots of emotions running in it and I felt for each and every one of the characters. Well, most of them anyway.
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book and I especially loved the ending.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. This is my honest opinion.
This has been one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read in awhile. The story is beautifully written and I felt myself submerged in the pages. The author writes a story that grips your emotions as you get attached to the characters. The historical setting is breathtaking and transports you back in time with vivid descriptions.
Emmaline is a character that reminds me of fresh flowers as they start to bloom. She is beautiful inside and out. Like a flower becomes more dynamic as they mature, so does Emmaline. Her intelligence is a blessing that she uses to find someone she has longed to know.
My favorite character is Jonathan. His love for Emma is what ever woman desires to have. He is a true gentleman who protects Emna and surrounds her with respect and compassion. The author has written his character so well that I felt his pain and yearning for a woman he is afraid to lose. There is a scripture in the Bible about laying your life down for others. Jonathan is an example of that scripture as he would do anything for Emma to make her happy.
As Emma and Jonathan travel to Canada to find her relative , Jonathan prays her heart will not be broken. He doesn’t want to see her get rejected and has traveled with her to support her which I found admirable. The story takes us on a very emotional journey as Emma cones face to face with the father she thought was dead. Will she find her father happy to be reunited with her, or will he reject her and shatter her hopes and dreams? It is not easy growing up thinking that your parents never loved you. It’s like a missing link that needs to be connected so you can find peace . Emma so wants to belong and be wanted but she must come to realize that her Heavenly Father as never left her.
There is a very emotional scene in the book that had me sobbing. What do you do when all your dreams are gone? How will you go on when you are thought as nothing more than a dirty little secret? Emma will face her biggest challenge as she fears her father will shun her forever. It’s a story that cuts deep into the core of a family and the consequences of decisions could scar someone forever. Will Emma find happiness with her father? Can Jonathan and Emma find their way back to each other? Don’t miss this story that walks readers through the hope of unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
Susan Anne Mason has given us an entertaining and heart-tugging Christian historical novel. The year is 1919 and the setting is in the city of Toronto, Canada. I enjoyed the historical details that the author used all throughout the story, especially when she described the ladies’ dresses for different occasions. I also loved the fact that this book was based in part on facts from the life of the author’s grandmother.
This story is character-driven and the two main characters, Emma and Jonathan, have very different personalities. Emma is impulsive; has strong opinions on how things should be done and is always full-steam-ahead in carrying out her plans. Jonathan is more thoughtful; thinks things through; and listens to the counsel of others. There were times that I would have loved to made Emma sit down and not get up until she really listened and thought through the advice Jonathan was trying to give her. On the other hand, I wanted Jonathan to step up and take charge at times. This was part of the fun of the plot, and their personalities kept my interest through the book.
The heart-tugging aspect comes from the hurts that both Emma and Jonathan suffered in their young lives. Both were orphans raised by caring relatives. Jonathan had just returned home from the war and was suffering flashbacks to times of battle. Emma was thrilled to discover her father was alive, but suffered from his decision to not acknowledge her as his daughter, Emma and Jonathan struggled as they transitioned from best friends to romantic interest. The author does a great job of incorporating all of this in their stories and it gives the story its heart.
This is the second book of s series, but the previous characters are only briefly mentioned, so this book is very easily read as a stand-alone story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is a remarkable historical romance novel!
I love each of the main characters in this book. They truly took me on an emotional roller coaster. At times I wanted to just wrap them in my arms and hug them until the hurt was made well. At other times I was so frustrated with the decisions they were making that I wanted to slap them silly. They just didn’t want to listen to me though and insisted on taking the long and difficult journeys that the author wrote for them to take.
I did appreciate the fact that they listened to their wise friends and sought God. That is truly the place to go for guidance and wisdom.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
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.*
The Highest of Hopes might take place one hundred years ago, but its characters are so relatable! Emmaline Moore is impulsive, strong-willed, and stubborn. I can relate to her well! Jonathan Rowe, her best friend since childhood, is more level-headed and much slower to act. They make such a lovely team, and I was rooting for them from the beginning!
Throughout the story Emmaline is consumed with trying to win the affection of her father and his family. Jonathan is always supportive, always there to help her despite the possibility of his heart breaking. He has his own issues to work through, and I admire his determination in trying to better himself even while he’s so far from home.
When nothing turns out like Emmaline has planned, she is reminded of the truth that we all need to keep in our hearts, the message of eternal, unconditional love from our Heavenly Father. I never tire of the reminder, and the story’s conclusion leave you feeling full of joy and hope!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House and am under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Susan Anne Mason has again completed an excellent story in her latest, The Highest of Hopes. While this book is the second one in her Canadian Crossings series, you need not read the first book to understand this one – but you will want to! Mason is an exceptional storyteller, and any book of hers is not to be missed.
As I delved into this story, I was gripped not only by diverse characters and an entertaining plot, but by a message that hit close to home. Mason, through expertly worded prose and depth of plot, forced me to examine my own intentions and motivations in my relationships. She challenged me to love selflessly and give with no strings attached.
That is not to say this book is bogged down with heavy content. On the contrary, it is a book that holds you fast, connects to your soul, and entertains every part of the way. You will not regret reading this book in the least!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
3.5 stars
Imagine thinking that your father was dead only to discover that he was very much alive.
Emmaline Moore is crossing an ocean in anticipation of meeting her only living parent. Following the death of her beloved grandfather, she discovers the truth in a pack of letters ; and leaving everything behind except her best friend and traveling companion Jonathan Rowe, Emma vacates England and proceeds toward Toronto, Canada in search of something she has only dreamed about; belonging.
Jonathan Rowe believes that Emma’s optimism about showing up unannounced on Randall Moore’s doorstep is going to be short-lived, but the cool reception she receives simply fuels her determination to win her father’s favor. As much as he adores Emma, Jonathan hopes that this venture will give him an opportunity to convince her to return to England with him on a more permanent basis, for it would be devastating if she had to choose between them.
A rather fascinating story, particularly because it has a thread of truth; the author’s own family tree includes a great grandmother who shared a similar background with the book’s heroine. Disappointments abound for these characters and Emma’s tendency to put her own desires above those of others makes her a little difficult to admire at times, but on the other hand it also makes her very authentic, wouldn’t you think?
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Please excuse me for a moment while I swallow the huge lump in my throat and am able to see adequately (I think I got something in my eye.) Ok, I think I have my emotions in check now. Sorry, but I’ve just been swept away on an impassioned, angst-filled journey from the beautiful English countryside to Toronto, Canada in the early 1900s, and am finding it difficult to return!
Emmaline Moore is one of those spunky heroines readers easily fall in love with. She’s kind, compassionate, and sensitive, albeit rather impulsive in her decision making. Embarking on a voyage across the ocean to meet her long-lost father and his family is one such decision. However, life is not always a fairytale as Emmaline soon finds out as she struggles to win the favor of her new family. In doing so will she lose the love of her best friend, Jonathan?
Jonathan—dear, patient, long-suffering Jonathan. I adored everything about him and he’s definitely the stuff heroes are made of. Not just a light romance (actually you get two toe-curling romances for the price of one!), Mason touches on some tough subject matter such as PTSD, the aftermath of contracting polio, and the heartbreaking quest of a motherless young woman desperately trying to gain the love of an ambitious father.
I gleaned so many spiritual nuggets and deep truths from this amazing novel. “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.” It just doesn’t get any better than that.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel by Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Family dynamics play a strong role in “The Highest of Hopes” and it’s what motivates Emma to cross an ocean to try to discover her place with her father long thought deceased. What she finds isn’t what she pictured in her minds eye. She will face many heartaches and it’s her resiliency that will shape her character throughout the story. There were many moments that my heart broke for her, especially her inner thought of her own worthlessness. But at the end, one wise person reminded her of how Christ sees her—
“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.”~page 303
Her best friend since childhood, Jonathan Rowe tags along in spite of his reservations on the kind of reception she may find on the other end. He’s the more level-headed of the two and is willing to help Emma through any crisis. In spite of fighting his own demons stemming from the aftereffects of war, he’s protective of her and would do anything to prove his love. Though he’s always kept that part of his heart hidden. He too will be shaped and molded with the trails and tribulations he faces and eventual realization that love can sometimes be a sacrifice of self.
“Love should never be viewed as a competition. Love requires compromise and sacrifice. There’s no place for ego in a marriage.”~pg. 357
Susan Anne Mason writes in such a way that makes you care deeply about her characters and their plight in life. Her stories are highly emotional and always tug at my heartstrings. This was difficult at best to put down when real life interrupted my reading time. Though this is the second book in the “Canadian Crossings” series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. I eagerly await the next installment!
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House on behalf of the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed her are my own. *
”Family is not always the people you’re born to. Sometimes they’re the people God places in your life.’
Emmaline Moore is searching for a way to belong. She needs a family, despite being raised by loving grandparents. When he grandfather dies, she is completely shocked to learn that her birth father is alive and well in Canada, an ocean away from her native England. So she makes a decision to go to Canada to find her father and become part of a loving family. But things don’t always work out the way we want them to.
Emmaline takes her good friend, Jonathan Rowe with her on the trip, not knowing that he has secretly loved her for many years. Jonathan is hoping desperately that on this trip he can convince Emma of this fact. He is also aware that her father could just decide to reject her and cause further hurt. But Emma is not one to be cautious when she makes her mind up. And she has no intention of returning to England, a fact she does not tell Jonathan until they are already in Canada.
Susan Anne Mason has written a novel that reaches down into the heart and causes the reader to question their decision making skills. Do we make our decisions based on our wants and how we think things should go, or do we wait on God’s guidance? There is a strong spiritual message here. Sometimes the decisions we must make are staring us in the face if we’ll only trust God to make them in His time.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishing and the author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
I’ve wanted to read this author for awhile and finally had the opportunity. I was not disappointed, as her eye for detail and characters with flaws and realistic emotions makes for a great read. This was book two in the Canadian Crossings Series but I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone. Rejection, unrequited love, faith, and great dialogue combine to make a page turner. I loved when Jonathan told Reggie, “ If you can’t laugh at what life hurls at you, you might as well quit.” or when the minister told Emma, “ There’s only one parents 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.” That is some amazing Truth and impressive writing. I look forward to reading more by this author. The tender love story melts your heart and the story of the lesser characters of Corinne and Will was wonderful. You will be like a fish falling for this book..hook, line, and sinker.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.