3.76 AVERAGE

emotional inspiring reflective sad

This story deals with putting your hopes into someone and being let down. It was sad when the character was rejected, but the lessons that God taught her were worth it. This book encouraged me. I enjoyed the Reverend and Ms. C. They are such kind, compassionate, and godly people. 

Concerns: The universe is mentioned. The character also says that I am a child of God and so is everyone. 

Quoted I loved: “There is only one parent’s love you truly need: your Heavenly Father’s. And the good news is that you don’t have to earn it and you don’t have to prove yourself worthy to receive it.”


Emma really drove me crazy. This one didn't pull me in like the other two in the series.

Not a bad read. It was enjoyable for the most part. But I hated the main character Emma which made it really hard for me to connect. It also got a bit preachy but that’s to be expected with this genre. Most of my issues with this story are “me problems” and probably not the book specifically so I won’t go into detail.

2.5 stars.

loved the sister aspect

First Line Featured on FaithfullyBookish.com

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.

My Review:

Genre: Historical fiction, Christian fiction.

My Rating: 4 and 1/2 stars.

Recommendation: 13 up for romance.

My favorite character is: Emma is a sweet girl and I loved following along with her as she searched for her family and even though I felt that at times she was naive I still loved reading about her.

My Verse for Emma is Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. (King James Version.)

My thoughts: Aw, this book is so sweet even if a good bit sad for several reasons. The story was so cute and adorable because of Jonathan and Emma's relationship and I also liked how this book and the previous one were connected and I look forward to reading more from Mrs. Mason!



Slight spoilers!



Warnings: Slight scandals because of politics and an unwed pregnancy.

(I received this book in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it.)

This was an enjoyable read overall. I will say Emma kind of annoyed me at times early in the book but by the end of the book I loved her character. This book hit kind of close to home for me as my dad has never been a part of my life so I could identify well with Emma’s desires and feelings. The plot and story flowed well and kept a good pace despite the fact the book is a longer read. I am looking forward to the finale of this set!

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Canadian Crossing series! It's a continuation of the story of the 4 friends who met on a ship bound from England to Canada. Each of the friends met as strangers but quickly became fast friends, each going to Canada for a purpose. This second book tells the story of Emmaline and Jonathan.

Jonathan has loved Emma since they were children. He stifled his feelings when she became engaged to his best friend. Returning from WWI weary and sick with guilt over the death of Emma's fiancé and his best friend, he is determined to not let anything stand in the way of telling Emma his true feelings. Instead, he finds her breaking off an engagement to another man and fleeing to Canada in search of a mysterious father whom she thought had died. Jonathan is determined to keep her safe and also prevent his somewhat flighty impetuous friend from trouble and potential heartache.

Emma stumbles into a family that doesn't really want her and a father who is pained by her appearance. He's also running for mayor and Emma's appearance couldn't have come at a worse time. As Emma tries to forge a relationship with her father and step-sisters, Jonathan tries help Emma see him as more than a friend. Torn between seeking a father's love and returning to England with her best friend, Emma must decide who truly loves her and has her best interest at heart.

Susan Anne Mason is quickly becoming a favorite author. Her characters are so well written and each has a rich distinct personality, flaws and all. She manages to put these characters through the ringer as their situations become more and more complicated. I loved Jonathan and his willingness to support Emma. One truly feels for him because it's apparent that while Emma loves him, she doesn't really appreciate him. Emmaline is a sympathetic character though because it's easy to understand why she so desperately wants to know her father.

I loved the setting as well. Canada is gorgeous and I enjoyed reading about a place that isn't always represented in books here in the U.S.

Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction with an inspirational message. It's romantic, heart wrenching at times and filled with enough drama to keep one quickly turning the pages.

Niet altijd even spannend geschreven, beetje kneuterig ook. Prima vermaak en heerlijk om bij in slaap te vallen.

This book was so cute! There are fews books about friends to lovers that I actually liked so I'm glad that I enjoyed Highest of Hopes. Emma & Jonathan kind of had a Emma & Mr. Knightley's relationship, I don't know if the narrative it's loosely inspired by, but it had some similarities.

It was nice to see the girl from the previous book in the companion trilogy, since I don't remember the two MCs in the first one.