Dad in Hospital and The Brightest of Dreams by Susan Anne Mason

Welcome, February!
I hope you are all doing well. I cannot believe January is behind us.  It truly flew by for me!  Dad has been in the hospital, and we are awaiting test results to return from Stanford, so please pray for a positive outcome if it be the Lord's will.  This came on rather suddenly and his pain has been nearly unbearable at times. My main prayers are for his comfort and for actual help, not just treating symptoms, but actual healing & if the Lord deems fit to take him Home, then may it not be long-suffering for my sweet daddy.  Thanks all!

In the meantime, he has been playing jokes on the nurses, lightening the burden for them and himself.  He waits until they have their stethoscope on his chest and then hums deep and long completely freaking them out since it sounds so weird! I live 4 hours away, so it was a blessing to go and be with him last weekend.

DAD CRACKING UP

One of my daycare Littles matter-of-factly prayed: "Father God, please help Grampa keep playing jokes on the nurses. In Jesus name, Amen."  He is a character in his own right!  This next picture is of him giving the stinkeye to a lady who left her cart directly in our path and got in her car.

STINK EYE

I hope that makes you smile as it does me!

Now for a book review from a sweet author I highly recommend.  Her 3rd book in this series comes out Tuesday.

AMAZON LINK

PUBLISHER'S SYNOPSIS

The Brightest of Dreams – Canadian Crossings #3 - by Susan Anne Mason

EXCEPTIONAL ENDING TO THE TRILOGY

Following WWI, three strangers boarded the SS Olympic and became friends with similar quests. This final story follows Quinten Aspinall as he searches for his three missing siblings who were shipped from Derbyshire, England to Canada, without his mother’s consent, on an orphan ship to become indentured servants.

“The war was over. He’d survived. A major accomplishment to say the least. Yet that blessing paled when he thought about the fate that had befallen his family. Becky, Cecil, and little Harry. Lord, keep them safe – wherever they are.”

After informing his employer of his plans, he is tasked with also bringing back the Earl’s niece, Julia Holloway, who left with a wounded soldier to be his caregiver and make her own way in the world. 

 Arriving in Toronto, Quinn makes his way to the charming Mrs. Chamberlain’s boarding house from the previous books. Julia and Quinn are drawn together in unexpected ways that go far beyond him retrieving her from Canada; some dangerous, some tense, some sweet. *“I found a charming eatery on the next street. I doubt they have true English tea, but I’m willing to brave it if you are.” She gave a light laugh that went straight to his chest.  “I’ve yet to find a truly good cup of tea,” she said, “though Mrs. Chamberlain’s came very close.”

**“Everything about Julia – her beauty both inside and out – drew him to her like a bee to nectar.”

***“He, Grace, and Emma had come to Canada, each with their own hopes and dreams for the future. And after enduring hardship and loss, they had all found their path. Surely the hand of God had been on their lives every step of the way.”

The relationship between Mrs. C and the Reverend was very sweet.  The difficulties of the young siblings, particularly Harry were sad to read, but not unlike the situations of the orphan train children here in America.

The COVER is fantastic featuring Quinten in period clothing, with gentle street lamps behind him.

I enjoyed reading the author’s endnotes about Dr. Barnardo’s homes and the thousands of children sent to Canada from England, particularly how little had been written about them.

I recommend this story if you enjoy drama and romance in a historical setting.

Thank you to the publisher / author who sent me a review copy. My honest opinion is my own without expectation or compensation.

Canadian Crossings Series

1 TheBest of Intentions – Grace Abernathy’s story 07/2018

2 TheHighest of Hopes – Emmaline Moore’s story 03/05/2019

3 The Brightest of Dreams - Quinten Aspinall’s story 02/04/2020

Connect with the author at
 SusanAnneMason.net 

Residing in Brampton, Ontario, Canada with her husband, children and cats; Susan describes her writing style as ‘romance sprinkled with faith’ She loves incorporating inspirational messages of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness into her characters’ journeys.

THE HIGHEST OF HOPES

CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE

HIGHLY EMOTIVE

May 1919, three strangers board the SS Olympic and form a friendship before docking in Canada to search for family. Emmaline Moore is traveling with her long-time friend, Jonathan Rowe, who is suffering from horrible seasickness.

Arriving in Toronto, Emmaline is anxious to find her father. A man she believed long-dead. Having returned from the war, Jonathan is determined to share his true feelings with Emma and convince her to begin a life with him while he goes to school at Oxford. “Nobody really won in a war he’d learned. It ate at your soul long after the gunfire had faded.”

Emma has ideas of her own, and they don’t involve the man who abandoned her for the war. She is determined to surprise the father she romanticized as a sort of hero figure and stay in Canada to develop a relationship with him. 

“Soon, with God’s blessing, she would embark on a new life with a family she’d never met, but who, Emma prayed would accept her graciously into their fold. Maybe then the emptiness inside her would finally be filled, and at last she’d feel whole.”

However, her new family is anything but pleased to see her and rather than welcoming her, tries to keep her true identity a secret.  There is animosity, hurt and a nosy reporter determined to discredit her father.

I loved the romantic scene at the Italian restaurant – “The other man sat down on a stool and pulled out an ancient-looking squeezebox. …The music changed tempo and this time there was no doubt the man was singing a love song. The longing in his voice struck a chord deep within xxx.” (no spoilers)

I could not help but picture Disney’s Lady and the Tramp when Tony, the restaurant owner, sings Bella Notte (giggle). Click for Video Clip of Lady And The Tramp - Bella Notte famous spaghetti scene

  

While the story did not go as I expected, I was actually glad it wasn’t cookie cutter.  The ending was very satisfying and I definitely teared up.

Tea Moment: “Oh, and might we have a pot of tea, if it’s not too much trouble?”

“The kettle’s already on the stove.” Her landlady winked.

I enjoyed reading the author’s notes about how her own grandmother was moved from England to Canada and told that her father was dead, when he was very much alive! She discovered so while doing ancestry research.

I recommend this story if you enjoy drama and romance in a historical setting.

Thank you NetGalley and to the author and Bethany House Publishing who sent me a review copy. 

My opinion is my own without expectation or compensation.

Amazon Link

Canadian Crossings Series

1 The Best of Intentions – Grace Abernathy’s story 07/2018

2 The Highest of Hopes – Emmaline Moore’s story 03/05/2019

3 TBD - Quinten Aspinall’s story

Click for her Website

Residing in Brampton, Ontario, Canada with her husband, children and cats; Susan describes her writing style as ‘romance sprinkled with faith.’ She loves incorporating inspirational messages of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness into her characters’ journeys.

Connect with the author at SusanAnneMason.net 

Until next time, hugs and a cup of tea!

 

The Best of Intentions

S.S. OLYMPIC  by ship portraitist Antonio Jacobsen
This is a sister ship of the Titanic and Britannic.
She was considered a 'floating palace'. 

INTENSE DRAMA

Purchasing Info

May 1919, three strangers meet on a ship following WWI. Each one is on a mission to find family. Grace Abernathy is traveling from England to Canada to find her sister Rose along with her new baby and bring them home before her mother leaves this world. Quinten Aspinall comes to her rescue when a male passenger tries to take liberties. Emmaline Moore has a traveling companion who has not quite become accustomed to the sea. The three decide to form a brief friendship until the ship docks.

Grace arrives in Toronto, Ontario and heads straight for the boarding house her sister’s letter has listed, only to find her sister is no longer there.  The story takes several turns and she learns her infant nephew is now in the care of Mr. and Mrs. Easton, Rose’s in-laws.  Rose’s letters adamantly detailed them as heartless people who abandoned their son and his new family.  Grace is determined to get to her nephew and ensure his happiness no matter the cost.

Andrew Easton has always felt second best behind his brother Frank. But, when Frank goes off and marries a young British clerk from his father’s company instead of the wealthy socialite he’s been courting and then goes off to war, expectations quickly change. Andrew must pick up the pieces, help run the family’s hotel business and marry the socialite who has turned her attention his way.  His father leaves little room for argument and his mother’s failing health pulls his heartstrings as well. His path has been laid out for him, but he can’t convince his heart it’s all going to be okay. Then, when his nephew shows up in his life he is drawn into fiercely loving the little boy and adjusting his life to ensure his well-being. When he meets Grace life to gets more complicated. CH.4: Vivid recollections of his boyhood came to mind, when he used to lie out on the back lawn at night and try to memorize the constellations.  It was during those moments of peace and awe that Andrew had felt closest to God. … He needed to get back to those simpler pleasures.

This story is filled with drama and intense emotion all the way through.  Grace and Andrew both seem to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. There are some very kind characters I enjoyed such as Reverend Burke who has really developed a knack for listening and gently guiding people. Plus he bakes cinnamon scones! 

Mrs. Chamberlain is a kind, doting, older lady who brings the first tray of tea (and toast) into the story (smile). Tea Moment (and happily there are many) - CH.6: She thought of her cozy room in the boardinghouse and the unexpected friendship she’d developed with Mrs. Chamberlain. She’d miss their cups of tea in the evening before they retired.  But for a chance to be close to her nephew, Grace could do almost anything.

I enjoyed learning about Dominion Day. Historical Note: On July 1, 1867, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain and a federation of four provinces: Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Ontario; and Quebec. The anniversary of this date was called Dominion Day until 1982. Since 1983, July 1 has been officially known as Canada Day.

I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys intense drama in a historical setting. At times I thought my heart was going to explode as it continually dropped into my stomach.

Thank you to the author, Susan Anne Mason and Bethany House Publishing who sent me a review copy.  My opinion is my own without expectation or compensation.

Canadian Crossings Series

1 The Best of Intentions – Grace Abernathy’s story 07/2018

Purchasing Info

2 The Highest of Hopes – Emmaline Moore’s story 03/2019

3 TBD - Quinten Aspinall’s story

Until next time, hugs and a cup of tea!

 

A Most Noble Heir

A Most Noble Heir, Susan Anne Mason

•°o•:*:•.COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.•:*:• o°•

  

I received this book in yesterday’s post (I just love saying post – don’t you?), took some time to photograph it, brew a pot of lemon-lavender tea with a sprig of rosemary and settled in with a cozy blanket at 2:10pm.  I only paused to feed the kitties and whip up a speedy dinner of eggs with toast and continued reading (thank goodness for book stands!) while eating because it was that good.  I finished at 10:42pm!  What an enjoyable 8.5-hour read!  Note to self: Susan’s books suck you in. Plan accordingly ;)

Derbyshire, England 1884.

Nolan Price is the 21-year-old stable hand at Stainsbury.  He has grown to love Hannah Burnham, a kitchen maid that arrived when he was 14 and she was 13 following her mother leaving her there to work.  He has finally saved enough to buy a small neighboring farm and give Hannah, her sister Molly, and his mother a better life.  However, his mother has suddenly taken ill and reveals a long kept secret that he is the son of the Earl of Stainsbury whom he loathes.  If he should agree to take his place among the aristocracy he will not be allowed to marry below his station.  Outraged at this revelation, he decides to elope with Hannah, convincing her of his love and that it is the best way to ensure they are accepted as “one”.   Hannah has always felt small, unimportant, and abandoned ever since her mother forced her into service, but kept her sister Molly.  Nolan has been the one constant in her life. He is tender and kind, the man she prays with. He is her future. 

Edward Fairchild is shocked to find that his son is alive and further has been right under his nose all these years.  His son-in-law and current heir to the estate, Orville Fairchild, is a loathsome, gambling infantile man.  He makes plans to train Nolan and turn him into a proper gentleman worthy of a title and Hannah does not fit into those plans.  He will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure she does not get in the way.

Iris Hartford is a fantastic character! Without giving to much away; she is a breath of fresh air, tells it like it is, is gentle but commands a room and the most delightful fairy godmother type one could hope for!

This story has many twists and turns as well as dangerous situations which elevate it further.   Through it all, faith balances the story nicely, but not perfectly because no one is perfect in their faith.  As the wise and loveable Scotsman Bert says, “Sometimes we have to hear God’s message several different ways before it finally takes root.” (smile – is that not the truth?!).

Tea Moment (and there are several, yay!) She nodded and wiped her own face.  “Come back to the kitchen, and I’ll make you some tea.” Like his mother, Hannah believed a cup of tea could cure anything.

© 2018 Bethany House - Book available March, 2018

364 pages

Thank you to Bethany House and the lovely author for an advance copy to review. My opinion is my own and given freely. Keep updated on the author’s website, Susan Anne Mason.net

I believe this is a stand-alone book and not a series.

Read & Reviewed: 02/2018 *****5 stars

Hugs and a cup of tea,

In addition to MY BLOG, Reviews posted at: (Amazon / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK - ALL 3 able to post only after 3/6 release date) / Books A Million / Barnes & Noble / CBD / GoodReads / Google Play / Indigo /  My FB / Author’s FB page / My Pinterest

Love's Faithful Promise Book Review

Enjoyed tea and toast while switching between
this wonderful novel & my daily Bible reading.

Love’s Faithful Promise –Courage to Dream Book #3

Susan Anne Mason

•°o•:*:•.LOVED IT.•:*:• o°•

Final installment does not disappoint. Again, extremely detailed and several characters with different points of view.

Matthew Clayborne carries heavy burdens from his past, failed marriage.  Now a widower raising a fragile young girl, he is desperate to provide for her, while not letting anyone in to break his heart again.  He splits his time between his daughter, and helping rehabilitate wounded soldiers with new physical therapy techniques.

Deirdre O’Leary, a young nurse, aspiring to one day become a pediatrician, has been sent by her father to convince the doctor to leave Canada and travel to Irish Meadows in New York, in order to help her mother who recently suffered a stroke.  She is bold and determined to persuade the stubborn doctor, or learn the techniques herself. 

There is another story that takes place between Jo, a stable hand, and Connor O’Leary set amongst the wonderful O’Leary horses.  It is a great story as well. It’s like reading two books in one. 

The relationship between the O’Leary parents and really the entire family is so endearing and enjoyable.  It’s a family you want to visit or be a part of.  There is a lot of kindness and love there.  There are also dangerous moments that send the heart rapidly beating, such as when young nephew get a little too adventurous.  And there is faith and prayer as well.  The weather is crisp and cool, until finally it snows, so I enjoyed reading this book in Autumn (-smile).

The cover of this book was another gorgeous picture that grabbed me instantly. The back shows Irish Meadows covered in snow tucked behind the leafless trees of winter.

5 STARS
(Keep updated at the author’s website, SusanAnneMason.com)

Thank you to Bethany House and the author for an advance copy to review as part of the Influencer Team. My opinion is my own, and given freely. Read: September 20/21, 2016

SERIES: Courage to Dream
Irish Meadows - Book#1 – 06/30/2015
A Worthy Heart – Book #2 – 01/05/2016
Love’s Faithful Promise – Book #3 – 09/13/2016 -388 pages

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Happy Reading Friends!

In addition to my blog, reviews posted at:
Alibris / Amazon / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK /Books A Million /Barnes & Noble /CBD /DeeperShopping /GoodReads /Google Play /Indigo /Kobo /Scribd.com /My FB/ My IG/Influencer’s FB page /My Pinterest

A Worthy Heart Book Review

Come, Sit, Stay
There's Darjeeling in my cup today...
and wee chocolate donuts on my saucer :-)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

•°o•:*:•.BRILLIANT.•:*:• o°•

Another winning historical Christian romance from Susan Anne Mason! Continuing in her theme from book one, extremely detailed with several characters from not one, not two, but FOUR points of view; making it most excellent for a more experienced reader to have to slow down and digest each POV carefully. Plus, I like to try and hear accents (like Irish) in my head as I read them.

I appreciate that this story does not leave the characters from book one too far behind, with a large gap in time, particularly Rylan Montgomery.  He has married Colleen O’Leary and is now running an orphanage with her. 

His younger sister Maggie Montgomery and their brother Gabe have taken a ship from Ireland to come visit them in 1914 New York.  It turns out, the family feels Maggie needs some distance from her former fiancé, Neill Fitzgerald.  But Maggie has her own ideas about coming to America.  She is extremely gifted with music and plays the piano and organ.  She is also a woman of faith. P.114 “Thank You, Lord, for this marvelous gift. For the healing power of music.”

At the same time, Colleen’s older brother, Adam, has just gotten out of prison, and is headed home to attempt a fresh start at life.  Adam has tremendous burdens, and will have to work through them, but thankfully a kind-hearted preacher by the name of John spent a good deal of time ministering to the prisoners and has helped direct Adam’s path towards God.  Adam seeks John out at his church and throughout the story receives much kindness and wisdom from John. P.209 “You need time, my friend. Time to pray. Time to process this information and discern God’s will for your life. I’m a firm believer that nothing happens by chance.  There is a purpose in this that only time will reveal.  Surrender your anger and sorrow to the Lord, and let Him help heal your wounds.”

When Adam encounters Maggie, he finds her to be extremely strong with no problem speaking her mind, and her beauty doesn’t hurt either (see cover model).  However, he is a convicted felon, and it would not be proper to imagine himself with any woman, which would immediately bring shame to her character by mere association. I really enjoyed Adam, and watching him work through his struggle and eventually accept that some people could believe in him and even care about him; could give him a second chance the way God does with all of us.

Aurora Hastings, who was jilted in book one by Gil O’Leary, joins the story pursuing a career in nursing.  Her mentor, a doctor, is helping her along her path however, her father believes it a passing fancy and in time she will come to marry a man worthy of his approval.  Enter charming, tall Gabe Montgomery, with an Irish lilt, who comes to her rescue at a very fine graduation party for Bree O’Leary, and again later during his duties as a volunteer fire fighter.  

I really do enjoy the heightened danger this writer brings to her books.  Some other authors are either not willing to go there, or have told me their editors don’t think readers want that.  Well, I LIKE the damsel in distress and having a hero or two save the day.  I even like the hero being in danger and having my heart strings pulled all the way to resolution.  (White gloves clapping – good job!)

Gabe and Aurora’s worlds will continue to collide, and a most enjoyable romance takes place, much to the chagrin of her father.

I love when heartwarming animals are woven into a story, and Chester is a sweet dog, who I enjoyed and actually could have done with a bit more of.

            One niggling question remains.  Mary, a new assistant cook of sorts has disappeared.  It was mentioned a couple of times in the book, but we do not find out what has happened to her.  Hopefully we will in book #3.

Internet photo: Maud Herd and her husband Leslie Adkin take tea on the lawn, March 1917.

I also always appreciate tea moments so here are a few: P. 14 “You must be exhausted after your voyage.  Make yourself at home in the parlor, and I’ll boil the water for tea.” P.267 Someone pressed a cup into his hand. “Here, you haven’t eaten all day.  At least have a sip of tea.”  Adam looked up to see his sister.  He blinked and wrapped his fingers around the warm mug.  Brianna rubbed a hand over his back.  “Mama always said a cup of tea could fix anything.” P.269 Maggie set aside the mound of dough she’d been kneading. “You sit. I’ll fix the tea.”

“ Bay Lough, Co. Tipperary, Ireland ”
Pinterest

And since MY name is Heather (-smile) P.377 Her eyes became shimmering pools of heather.

The cover of this book was stunning and I love how the back shows a profile of the cover model with a beautiful home and meadows (possibly Irish Meadows) in the a background.

5 STARS

I eagerly await Book #3, Love’s Faithful Promise, available in 2016 (keep updated at the author’s website, www.SusanAnneMason.com

I received an advance copy of the book from Bethany House Publishing as part of the Influencer Team for this author. My opinion is my own, and given freely.

Read: 01/21&22/2016, Reviewed: 01/23/2016

SERIES: Courage to Dream

Irish Meadows - Book#1 – 06/30/2015 (Click Here to Read My Review)

**A Worthy Heart – Book #2 – 01/2016 – 390 Pages

Love’s Faithful Promise – Book #3 – coming 2016

Until next time dear friends, hugs and a cup of tea!

IRISH MEADOWS - BOOK REVIEW

Click here to pre-order at a discount!

IRISH MEADOWS

by: Susan Anne Mason

BOOK REVIEW

Courage to Dream Series Book#1

EDGY & SECRETIVE

is how I would describe this historical Christian romance.

This book was extremely detailed with several characters. 

I describe this book as edgy because it goes further than I am used to seeing other Christian authors go with danger and steamy scenes, but does not cross any lines.  I was quite happy with the results.  I definitely don’t consider this a “light” read.  It took me the better part of a week, for all of the details, and I do recommend it.  The story is told from various characters perspective, which I also enjoyed.

There are two strong story lines developing in 1911 Long Island NY, which I really liked.

One focuses on Brianna O’Leary and Gilbert Whelan who grew up together under the same roof after the O’Learys took in Gilbert following the death of his mother.  They were always the best of friends, but along the way Brianna developed a crush on Gilbert.  After returning from college to the country home and horse farm of the O’Learys, Gilbert hopes Brianna’s crush has diminished with time, and he can repay the kindness of the O’Learys until he saves up enough to realize his secret dream of buying his own horse farm.  Brianna, however has secret dreams of her own; going off to college and furthering her education.  In 1911, most women are expected to learn proper housewife duties and be perfectly happy with that.  In particular, her father requires it and has every intention of marrying his daughters off to wealthy young men.

Click here to go to the author's website

Colleen O’Leary is Brianna’s older sister, and a flirtatious brat who dreams only of marrying the wealthiest man she can find and living in the lap of luxury with servants to do her bidding for the rest of her life.  She harbors a deep, painful secret that has caused her tainted view of the world.

Rylan Montgomery is a distant cousin to the family, and arrives from Ireland to further his goal of becoming a priest.  Rylan is my absolute favorite.  He is kind, and outspoken, patient and understanding.  He gives Colleen a run for her money and sees beyond the shallow exterior that most men see.  He is also quite funny.  Pg#52 “You didn’t say how Colleen found you at the station this afternoon. I trust everything went smoothly.” “Smooth as mud, Mrs. O’Leary.” (in context, that had me laughing out loud!).

5 STARS

I am looking forward to Book #2, A Worthy Heart, available in 2016 

Gorgeous cover of book 2 from author's website (click here)

I received an advance copy of the book as part of the Influencer Team for this author. My opinion is my own, and given freely.

Read: 06/19/15-6/24/15, Reviewed: 06/26/15

SERIES: Courage to Dream

Irish Meadows - Book#1 – 06/30/2015

A Worthy Heart – Book #2 – 2016

no info at this time – Book #3 –