The Highest of Hopes

By: Susan Anne Mason

Narrated by: Susan Boyce

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

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, so she 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?

©2019 Dreamscape Media, LLC (P)2019 Dreamscape Media, LLC

What a Wonderful Book!

I loved Emma. She does rush into things without thinking them through all the way but she has such a good heart. Always hoping the best for everyone. Longing to be accepted by her father and his family, she tries so hard to please. I wish I could tell you how it works out but that would mean spoilers.
Jonathan usually thinks things through "six ways to Sunday" but occasionally he blurts things out. I liked how he was there to watch out for Emma, even if it did cause some strife now and then.
I really liked his friend Reg. He told it like it was. Reg was able to convince Jonathan that there was no shame or weakness in talking to someone about the after-effects of the war.
There is so much family drama, I found myself really disliking a few characters, my opinion did not change for all of them but a couple did redeem themselves, in my eyes anyway.
I adored Emma's sister Marianne. She was so sweet.
It was nice to see a young woman taking charge of her life in this time period.
The last page has my favorite Bible verse but I don't give spoilers. I highly recommend reading or listening to this book as soon as possible.
I enjoyed the little glimpses of characters from The Best of Intentions. Each book stands on its own though.
I was blessed to receive an early paperback copy from the publisher/author (a review was not required. All opinions are my own.) I pre-ordered the audible.com version and began listening to it as soon as it was available and listened to this all day today (March 5, 2019) I'm sure I will be listening again.

Odd twist to a series

While I liked this story, I was hoping for a follow-up with the characters in the previous book. This was simply the friend of the main female character in the first book, and she is only briefly mentioned. It was a good story, though too melodramatic and a bit sappy.

I am really disappointed that this narrator has done nothing to improve her use of accents. She's a professional, and we pay to hear a good performance, but the characters from England have almost no accent at all, except oddly the aunt. The slight touch of an accent for these characters peculiarly comes and goes. I do like the voices she uses for the characters, and she has a pleasant tone and fairly good acting ability.

Book 2 better than book 1

I liked book one in this series but book 2 was even better. I liked the characters and the storyline. I put it in my favorites.

Poor narration

I think that the worst thing an author can do is hire a narrator that cannot do accents. Although the narrator had a pleasant enough voice, she was unable to do any sort of an English accent. Very very disappointing. Perhaps you should consider redoing this with a narrator that can do the accents justice.

Tremendous Story

I love this author! Her books are stories. They are not just girl meets guy, love, hard time, marriage. There are things happening in the lives of every character on the page. You are not just rooting for the couples but you are rooting for every character.

The only thing I didn’t like. In the audible version the two main British characters don’t have accents! The other British characters have accents some of the time or some of the lines. The narrator is wonderful and I’m sure she could do other accents. Don’t make someone from a different country not sound like they are from that country.

the highest hope

this book kept me interested the narrator did a good job Emma is too impulsive ,stubborn ,and never give a second thought to those who love her but chase after a man she calls father
I love Jonathan is a beautiful soul this book I will not remember