The Best of Intentions (Canadian Crossings Book #1)

Susan Anne Mason

Jul 2018 · Canadian Crossings Book 1 · Baker Books

About this ebook

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?

Ratings and reviews

INTENSE DRAMA ********************************************* May 1919, three strangers meet on the SS Olympic. 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 Notes: 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. The S.S. Olympic is a sister ship of the Titanic and Britannic. She was considered a 'floating palace'. ************************************* 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 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 2 The Highest of Hopes – Emmaline Moore’s story 03/2019 3 TBD - Quinten Aspinall’s story

Susan Ann Mason took me on an adventure. From traveling across the ocean to falling in love, I enjoyed every moment. I could tell by reading the description this was going to be a unique story. Best of Intentions caused me to feel a variety of emotions, ranging from joy to complete sadness. The characters were fun, and all special in their own way. I enjoyed watching Grace as she got to know her nephew and those in charge of raising him. Doing what she thought was best can come with serious consequences, but she will stop at nothing to keep her promise to her sister. The tension between some of the characters kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley. I was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Grabbed me from the begining & wouldn't let me go. First book from this author, not my last. Bring tissues.

About the author

Susan Anne Mason's historical novel Irish Meadows won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA, as well as the Christian Retailer's Choice Award for Debut Novel. A member of ACFW, Susan lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children. She can be found online at www.susanannemason.net.