Far Side of the Sea - A Review

Published - March 2019, Bethany House
Author - Kate Breslin
Title - Far Side of the Sea
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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About the Book:
In spring 1918, Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a British soldier working with MI8 after suffering injuries on the front, receives a message by carrier pigeon. It is from Jewel Reyer, the woman he once loved and who saved his life--a woman he believed to be dead. Traveling to France to answer her urgent summons, he desperately hopes this mission will ease his guilt and restore the courage he lost on the battlefield. 

Colin is stunned, however, to discover the message came from Jewel's half sister, Johanna. Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence, found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust begins to grow between them.

When their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot, danger and deception turn their search for answers into a battle for their lives.

My Thoughts:
Ever since I read Breslin's debut novel, For Such a Time, I have devoured every book that has come out that she has written. This book has a connection to the one Not By Sight, but I didn't even realize that until I was almost finished with the book when it hit me that some of the characters are in both books. 

Johanna and Colin's character development is probably part of what made me love this book. I think the author's writing style also made me love this book. I really couldn't put it down, though I had to. Life had to go on with things like work and sleep. But it's such a wonderful book. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher on behalf of the author to help promote it. And while I'll admit that I did forget to talk about it and promote it until now, I wasn't asked to like the book. In fact, all I was asked to do was to help promote it. I certainly didn't expect to love the book. My thoughts are my own.

Recommended to fans of Jody Hedlund, Laura Frantz

Rating - 5 stars

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books I read in 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly theme hosted by the Broke & the Bookish.

This week's theme is the top ten books I've read in 2015. I could do a variety of lists, but I know myself well enough to know that I can't just pick 10! So here's what I came up with.

1. The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron - This is by far my favorite book of the year. It enthralled me.

2. Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams - This was so much fun to read. I giggled my way through it.

3. Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer - The story in this one kept me turning the pages. The way that there were two stories really being told at the same time.

4. How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck - My favorite of the Royal Wedding Series. I loved this one.

5. From the Start by Melissa Tagg - Her books have captivated me from the first, and this one wasn't any exception.

6. Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund - I loved Ryan in this book. He gave a whole new meaning to the "wounded" hero.

7. Not By Sight by Kate Breslin - I loved her debut last year. This one was a great second novel.

8. The Gifting Series by K. E. Ganshert - I read all three of these in one weekend I believe.

9. Fire and Ice by Mary Connealy - I'd been wanting Bailey's story since book 1. Was so glad to get it in this one.

10. Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin - I love the cover on this book. I love her writing.

11. Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar - It's been a while since I read one of his books. This one was a surprise delight.

12. One More Wish by Robin Jones Gunn - Robin's books are like old friends. Even when it's a new book. They are truly a breath of fresh air.

13. Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz - Laura's books make me long to be in the period of history. They truly are amazing.

14. The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck - If I wasn't already a fan of Rachel's, then this book would have made me one. It's that good.

15. The Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman - Julie's first contemporary novel. There are enough fun characters in it to make me not sad that she's writing contemporary instead of historical. Though I still love her historicals.

16. Wings of Glory Series by Sarah Sundin - These have been on my list for a while. I'm so glad that I got to them, finally. Book 3 is my favorite.

17. Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter - I kept hearing about this book. I was glad to finally read it.

18. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan - I'd forgotten how funny his books are until I started this one. I love his sense of humor.

19. Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George - I love fairytale retellings. This one retells the Twelve Dancing Princesses.

20. Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey - I kept waiting for Reef's story. I was not disappointed in it at all.

Now for some that are mostly rereads:

21. Short Straw Bride & Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer - These are my two favorites by Karen.

22. Juliet by Anne Fortier - I loved this one from the first time that I read it. This time through, I was buddy reading it, and I loved it even more.

23. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling - One of my friends is reading this series for the first time, and I said I'd buddy with her on these. No matter how many times I read them, Harry Potter never gets old.

Not By Sight - A Review

Published - August 2015, Bethany House Publishers
Author - Kate Breslin
Title - Not By Sight
Format - ebook, paper
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In the midst of WWI, Jack Benningham is the heir to the Stonebrooke earldom. While most other young men his age are fighting in the trenches in France, Jack's wild reputation as a rogue as well as his high status in society provide the perfect cover for him to track down German spies on English soil. Grace Mabry has a twin brother fighting on the front. She's fiercely patriotic. She's also a wealthy suffragette. When she sees Jack across a ballroom, she is determined that he pay for his cowardice by handing him a white feather. She never dreams that her actions would have far reaching results. To escape London, she seeks work with one of the haying crews in the countryside. When her path crosses with Jack's again, will Grace be able to find the courage to admit she was wrong? Neither of them can predict the danger and betrayal that follows them.

I LOVED this book! After loving the author's debut book last summer, I was almost afraid to pick up the second book. I didn't want to be disappointed. I worried for nothing. I wasn't disappointed at all. I was quickly drawn into a tale rich in history, full of adventure and romance, and had the pain of suffering.

Both Jack and Grace were deep characters. There was so much to them than what appeared on the surface. As the story unfolds and their layers are pulled back, my heart hurt for the child Jack was once. I hurt over Grace's unknowing if her twin was dead or alive. And I cried when all the secrets came to light.

I wondered about the title "Not By Sight" and how it came about. Yet it's revealed rather quickly that one must learn to see with the eyes of faith as well as to trust. There's another more obvious reason, but I'm not going to be mentioning that for fear of spoilers.

This may very well be the best book that I've read this year. I know it's been one of my most highly anticipated ones. It's certainly one of the most character driven ones. I literally got the book in one evening, started it the next day AND finished it about 6  hours later.

Fans of historical fiction will love this book.

I received a copy for free from the author for the purpose of promoting. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Francine Rivers, Laura Frantz, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Julie Klassen

Rating - 5 stars

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten (Or Twenty) Books Read in 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly theme hosted by The Broke & The Bookish. Feel free to join in.

This week's topic is one that I usually do on New Year's Eve. But it works for this week. This week, the topic is the top 10 books I've read in 2014. This is probably one of the hardest posts I've written. I mean, how can I narrow my list down to just 10?! I've read so many books this year that it was so hard to decide. My initial list contained over 50 titles.

So after cutting some out, here is what I came up with though.... Each title links to the review on my blog and purchase links are listed too.

Beginning with the Women's Fiction/Contemporary Category

1. Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers - this is probably the BEST book I've read this year. It was simply amazing. Buy it here.

2. The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate - Another amazing book. Buy it here.

Now for the WWII books....

3. In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin - By far, my favorite of the series. I couldn't get enough of Kay & Roger. Buy it here.

4. Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohkle - I was impressed with her book Promise Me This a couple years ago. This one was just as impressive. Buy it here.

5. For Such a Time by Kate Breslin - A beautiful retelling of Esther set against Nazi Germany. I need a copy of this! Buy it here.

Moving on to the general historical...

6. Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz - This family saga is amazing! Most of these are amazing. But I'm serious, this book, and the others in the series are well worth the time and money on these. Buy it here.

7. Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund - Probably my favorite of Jody's books. Such a gripping story. Buy it here.

8. Pelican Bride by Beth White - This was a surprise for me. I don't usually read early American history, but I really loved this book. Buy it here.

Now to the romance (both contemporary and historical)...

9. Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade - I adored this book. Absolutely adored it! I loved everything about it - the cover, the characters, the story - everything. Buy it here.

10. When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren - It's the Christiansen Family. Need I say more? I"m so excited to read the next one (soon). Buy it here.

11. A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert - I've come to expect quality from Katie. And I was not disappointed. Such a beautiful story of discovering true beauty. Buy it here.

12. Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg - Melissa's books always make me giggle. This was no exception. Buy it here.

13. Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck - I love princesses, fairy tales, happy endings. Pure fluff. Buy it here.

14. Tried & True by Mary Connealy - Probably my favorite of hers so far. I laughed all the way through it. Buy it here.

Finally, the Young Adult & Suspense books.

15. Silenced by Dani Pettery - Book 4 in the Alaskan Courage Series, Kayden finally gets her turn. And this McKenna's sister's story of love is filled with danger. But she and Jake figure it all out. Buy it here.

16. Deceived by Irene Hannon - My favorite in the series and favorite by Irene. Can Connor be any more dreamy? Buy it here.

17. The Lunar Chronicles of Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress  by Marissa Meyer - Should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me. Especially lately. I've pretty much been gushing about them.  Buy them here.

 

18. Worth the Wait by Laura Jackson - Laura's debut reminded me a lot of the Christy Miller books. Buy it here.

and speaking of the Christy Miller Books,

19. Forever With You by Robin Jones Gunn - I literally squealed when I learned that Robin was writing a series about Christy & Todd and their married life. Literally squealed. Buy it here.

and finally,

20. The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson - a young adult retelling of Snow White. I still have to wonder how I missed her all this time. Buy it here.

So I couldn't cut my list to just ten. Though I did try. I left off wonderful ones of Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman, In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews, With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden, Stuck Together by Mary Connealy, Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan, Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan, Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer, and March Bride by Rachel Hauck. Seriously, there were so many delightful ones I read this year, that I couldn't list them all.

So how did you come out? What books were your favorites this year? Maybe you have a hidden gem I need to discover. Tell me in the comments.

For Such A Time - A Review

Published - Bethany House Publishers, April 2014
Title - For Such a Time
Author - Kate Breslin
Format - ebook, paper
Find on Amazon

Hadassah Benjamin has Aryan looks that could protect her from Nazi Germany. She's even got a new identity - Stella Mueller. When she is rescued from Dachau by SS Commandant Aric von Schmidt and pressed into service as his secretary at the transient camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia. There she sees her people living in squalor and she does what she can to ease their situation. As she works closely with Aric, she sees and senses he's different than the other Nazi's. Yet these are dangerous times. When her secret comes out, will she risk everything for her people?

This is Kate Breslin's debut novel. But reading it, you wouldn't know that! It's been on reading list for ages and while I missed it when it came up to review, I was able to request it from the library.

I've read a lot of WWII books in the past and this one is so different. First, it's a retelling of the book of Esther. I loved Hadassah's struggle. And I loved Aric. I loved how he struggled with what he knew to be right and true versus the teachings of the Nazi Party.

I can see myself rereading this one, once I obtain a copy for myself that is. Rich in details and full of deep characters, I cannot wait to read what else this author has to come.

I rented this book from the library and read it for pure pleasure. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of WWII, Brock & Bodie Thoene, Jody Hedlund, Katie Ganshert

Rating - 5 stars