Review ~ The Highest of Hopes (Canadian Crossings #2) by Susan Anne Mason

Paperback, 352 pages

Published March 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers 

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?

To learn more about the author, visit her at her website.

My Review

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.