Susan Anne Mason’s The Brightest of Dreams features Quinn Aspinall, a young man trying to keep a promise he made to his father. He travels to Canada to find his siblings and to look for his employer’s niece, Julia. But when Julia receives news that turns her life upside down, he has to choose between helping her and reuniting his family.
Quinn and Julia’s story is interesting and well-written. Enough that I kept reading even when I could guess what would happen. But even though some parts were predictable, Mason still managed to surprise me in places.
The romance at times felt a little dry, but I did like Quinn and Julia’s relationship, especially since they knew each other before the novel. I also appreciated that the class distinctions were addressed. And I loved seeing how hard Quinn tried to do right by his siblings and Julia. Mason did a great job of making me root for Quinn, and I must admit I liked him better than Julia. But I liked her enough to want her to have a happily ending.
Mason did a great job exploring the stories of Quinn’s siblings. I had no idea that some British orphans were sent to Canada as indentured servants. The reader gets the chance to see not only the downsides of this system, but a few positives. Becca especially serves as a reminder that God can use all things for good. And the different experiences of Quinn’s siblings created a bit of tension as the reader wonders if Quinn will get them together again.
While this is the last in a series, The Brightest of Dreams serves as a standalone. I haven’t read the other two books in the series, but I was able to follow everything. I wouldn’t mind reading the other two novels. Seeing the characters’ brief appearances piqued my curiosity. I’ll have to add them to my TBR list.
More Information
If you want to check out The Brightest of Dreams for yourself, click on the image to order it from Christianbook.com. Or look for it in your favorite bookstore.
For more Susan Anne Mason, check out her website. Or you can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
