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

Title: The Highest of Hopes (Canadian Crossings #2)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 352

Release Date: March 5, 2019

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: 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.

About the book:

     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?

My review:

     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 absolutely loved this story and am giving it a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

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.*

Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green

Title: Between Two Shores

Author: Jocelyn Green

Pages: 400

Release Date: February 5, 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval finds it is easier to remain neutral in a world that is tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the fray against her wishes when her British ex-fiance, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel asks her to help him escape, claiming he has information that could help end the war.

     Peace appeals to Catherine, but helping the man who broke her heart does not. She delays . . . until attempts on Samuel’s life convince her he’s in mortal danger. Against her better judgment she helps him flee by river, using knowledge of the landscape to creep ever closer to freedom. Their time together rekindles feelings she thought long buried, and danger seems to hound their every mile. She’s risked becoming a traitor by choosing a side, but will the decision cost her even more than she anticipated?

My review:

     This is an incredible historical novel!

     I am amazed at the depth of the characters in this book. There is quite a variety and I was able to picture them and their mannerisms very clearly. They all had different baggage and hangups that they were dealing with. All of them were slowly revealed and developed throughout the book.

     The period and historical setting were wonderfully presented. I had never learned anything about the French and Indian War beyond George Washington’s involvement. I was fascinated by the fact that this book presented it from the sides of all three people groups, the French, Canadians, and Mohawk people. The conflict and distrust between them was great. 

     I love the fact that the author includes a section at the end explaining which portions of the story are actual historical events. This really shows how much research she did prior to writing this wonderful book.

     I have to give this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I am highly recommending it.

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 Best of Intentions (Canadian Crossings #1) by Susan Anne Mason

Title: The Best of Intentions (Canadian Crossings #1)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 352

Release Date: July 3, 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy from the author and the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     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 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?

My 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 find myself compelled to give this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars. I am definitely highly recommending it. I don’t think that anyone who enjoys historical romances can go wrong in spending some of their free time reading this book.

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.*