The Highest of Hopes

Author: Susan Anne Mason
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Canadian Crossings #2

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 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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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

After reading the first book in the Canadian Crossings Series (The Best of Intentions) I was looking forward to reading the next instalment by Susan Anne Mason, and I was not disappointed.

Emmaline Moore is a bit of a headstrong character who acts before she thinks which gets her into trouble more than once in this book. Fortunately, she has a steadfast companion in Johnathan Rowe, whom she has known since she was a child. Unfortunately for Johnathan, Emmaline has no clue as to how he feels about her - because she's too busy caring about her feelings and her life. When she finds out her father is alive she heads to Toronto and the wonderful reunion she expects to receive from dear old dad. If only she would listen to the voice of reason (Johnathan) once in a while.

The best way to describe Emmaline is that she explodes into everyone's life, giving them no time to adjust before the next explosion occurs. She happily picks herself up, dusts herself off and assumes everyone will love her because - well - she's Emmaline! Johnathan who has grown up with Emmaline is used to her impulsive ways, and so he tries (valiantly) to counsel her and at the same time show her his feelings. But he never seems to find the right moment. While Emmaline is starting to feel differently towards Johnathan, she is still set on starting her new life in Canada with her father and his family - not in England with Johnathan - and that is something he finds hard to accept.

I know it sounds like Emmaline is a creep but she isn't really, she's got a good heart, but she's incredibly impulsive. But, praise the Lord, she learns a perfect lesson in the end (as does Johnathan), and together they trust God for His plans for them, no matter what those plans might be.

I loved the growth of both Emmaline and Johnathan and how they both turned to God for guidance. The ending was perfect and brought a tear to my eye. 

I cannot wait for book three! Well done Susan!

This book was provided courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley.​

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