Rare WWI Historical Romance novel.

Far Side of the Sea focuses on Colin (secondary character in Not by Sight).  Colin had a brief hint at romance while recovering from a war injury.  After Jewel and Colin separate and lost contact with each other, he receives an urgent summons from Jewel to meet her in France.

Once Colin arrives in France to meet Jewel, the action and character duplicity begins.  The pace of the novel was excellent and kept my interest throughout.  I especially loved the twists in the novel, the ending and the Epilogue.  The way the author highlighted the use of carrier pigeons as part of the war effort was fascinating.  And the cover...lovely.

Gripping first line, “He was suffocating.” 
Readers meet Lieutenant, Colin Mabry caught in the middle of a re-occurring nightmare. He’s in Hastings, Britain, the year 1918. He’s been awakened by a knock on his door. He was being summonsed to decode some messages after this nightmare. He prays, “Lord, please renew my spirit.” 

He decodes the messages quickly then comes across one for him, “Urgent you remember your promise of love. Meet me Café de la Paix, Paris. 10 April 1500 hours. You’re my last hope. – J.R.

He’s stunned, “Jewel Reyer is …alive.”

He had to wonder, “Had it been Jewel who contacted him. Or some Boche spy intent on luring him to Paris? Though kidnapping in the spy trade was rare, Colin had been educated on the possibility. His father was extremely wealthy, and Grace (his twin sister) would soon become a future countess and member of the British peerage”

Colin meets up with a J.R. and it turns out to be Johanna Reyer not Jewel. Johanna has lots of explaining to do as she seeks his help to find a missing person. She takes Colin to Chateau de Gall. “We call it LaMaison des Oiseaux. The birdhouse.” She then explains “we work with pigeons that bring messages from the Front….We send intelligence on to your British Army headquarters at Montreuil.”

Colin was fascinated (and so was I) about the dovecote; which can hold up to 250 pigeons. How they used these courageous birds was mind boggling.

Jo pleads her case and tells Colin how she found him. Colin is on board to help find Jewel after seeing her diary. They travel together posing as husband and wife. Colin says to Joanna, “So you need me more than protection.” He watched her with an unreadable expression. Jo met his gaze with honesty. “You are the only one who can tell me for certain if the woman is my sister.”

Sparks start to fly in more ways than one as Colin’s higher ups want him to head home. He stays the course with Jo in hopes he’d meet Jewel again. Things get increasingly complicated as the plot thickens. The two posing as husband and wife are drawn closer to each other physically and emotionally, as they get further in the line of danger. Together they discover clues they only share among themselves. They begin to realize they could only trust each other.

I liked what the author said in author notes, “I wanted to show how Johanna’s love for Colin and her ability to see the essence of the man beneath his scars helped him to heal and find a way toward self-acceptance, and from there, to reconcile with this new person he had become.” 

This author beautifully and tenderly expressed all that. I liked Colin and Jo and the special moments they shared in Paris.

The author says, “As one who appreciates learning history thru stories, I strive for historical accuracy in my novels whenever possible, but there is time when taking literary license is necessary.” Then she states what she had to change and why. I like when authors do that.

This is a mysterious, suspenseful read with a tender romance taken place during WWI, filled with adventure, a natural faith message and lots of twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Some characters have to face their fears as the plot unfolds. I enjoy being entertained as I learned about aspects of WWI I had never heard of before. This makes for an enjoyable, fun read that would make a great book club pick. There is so much in here. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com 
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-issues-book-fun-mag

I always get such a satisfied feeling after finishing a book by Kate Breslin. I am transported to another place for a few days (which I stretch out because her writing is exquisite) and although I am sad to leave, I am all the better for having visited.
This book is a combination of stunning historical detail--the pieces regarding carrier pigeon use during World War II are fascinating--action and adventure, mystery and romance. The author seamlessly weaves together all of those elements so that it doesn't seem like too much for the reader to handle, more that it enriches the tale and makes it more nuanced.
I loved the characters and how their faith and stumbles helped them grow and change throughout the story. Despite his disabilities and the challenges those pose to him in his everyday life, Colin forges through, trusting that God is good even when things seem dark.
The adventures the characters experience while traveling through Europe, seeking Johanna's sister and possibly their father, add so much intrigue to the story and had me breathlessly turning pages to see what would happen next. 
Highly recommend this engaging and exciting historical romance novel!

Kate Breslin has penned another captivating and well researched tale set during World War I.  Having read Not by Sight, it was pleasant to casually meet up again with some familiar characters.  Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a young solider still recovering from his war experiences, becomes involved with Johanna Reyer in undercover activities.  The main characters have to deal with issues that were very real during WWI, such as soldiers dying of infections, an influenza outbreak, food rationing, and espionage.  The pacing and tension kept me moving on to the next chapter, while learning more about each character as historical events unfolded.  Warmth, compassion, heartache, faithfulness, and more are emotions you will experience as you read this.  I was completely immersed in this World War I era tale, the historical details making the story come alive.   I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It's just a little odd to me that Breslin is essentially writing a series but doesn't label it as such. Just an observation.

While the impulses driving Johanna and Colin were not super exciting or compelling, the plot twists were amazing. I didn't know who was helping whom, who was working for who, who was good and who was bad! The suspense of that was superb. 

The pigeon elements were cool. It's amazing how the little birds can find their way home despite hundreds if not thousands of miles. I've not read a lot of books with homing pigeons in them, so it was a unique aspect. 

It was nice to hear more of Colin but I'm still waiting for a story about Marcus. I hope one is coming!!

Kate Breslin continues to excel in writing outstanding historical fiction. Her beautiful prose draws the reader into a world that is torn apart by the hardships of WWI. Though her main characters have suffered both physical and emotional injury, Breslin gives us a courageous hero and spunky heroine. Lieutenant Colin Mabry is healing from injuries he received on the Front. After receiving a mysterious message, he returns to France to aid a young woman he once cared for. To his surprise, he finds that the message was sent by her half-sister. The two forge an unlikely alliance as they travel across France and Spain, seeking to rescue the missing woman. Breslin's adroit pacing and expertly revealed twists keep the reader enthralled as she skillfully weaves an adventurous tale of spies,espionage,romance and faith into a masterpiece.

A favorite quote: " You said God was always with me, and I realize now He has been there my whole life, watching over me, teaching me to be strong."

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

For those readers who enjoy reading about France during WWI, this is the perfect book. The training and implementation of carrier pigeons during this time was amazing. This story is filled with suspense as the search for a German spy is sought to obtain a key package. Colin from the novel, Not by Sight is featured in this story as he tries to come to grips with war injury and proves his worth. Not everything is what it seems in this fast paced historical novel. Highly recommended!

Far Side of the Sea was an enjoyable historical novel. I haven’t read a lot about World War I, so the storyline was very interesting to me, including the use of carrier pigeons during war time. The author’s very detailed research was evident in the novel, and readers will learn a lot of new facts about the history during that time period. This intriguing book is filled with something for everyone: rich historical details, espionage, mystery, and romance. I recommend this book for fans of World War I and historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

When I started reading this book, parts of it struck me as familiar, and I held onto this feeling until the very end when I discovered it is actually a continuation of the story in Kate Breslin's previous novel: Not By Sight.  Of course it was! Now I want to go back and read Not By Sight all over again! That being said, you would be able to read this book and still find it thoroughly enjoyable if you have not read Not By Sight. 

Far Side of the Sea is full of espionage, spies, double agents, romance and betrayal.  This story has it all!  By the second half of this novel I was completely invested in the story line and found it nearly impossible to put down.  The complex twists and turns, tenuous alliances, and uncertainty of war time kept be guessing which characters could really be trusted as I cheered Colin and Johanna on in their quest to find Jewel.  A major theme was trusting in God and having faith no matter the circumstances. I thought the inclusion of the carrier pigeons added depth and realism to the story and I enjoyed learning more about this method of communication used during WWI. I have read almost all of Kate Breslin's novels and I can say that I have enjoyed each one and I can't wait to read more. If you are a fan of historical fiction you will enjoy Far Side of the Sea.

Far Side of the Sea is currently available for purchase from your local or online book retailer. 

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free copy of Far Side of the Sea.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin is a Christian Historical with mystery, suspense, romance and adventure.  I confess to being biased, having enjoyed all of the author’s previous books.  The setting is in the World War I Europe and has many interesting historical details of the people, places and era.  There is plenty of action with espionage and spies with unknown loyalties.  I enjoyed reading about the commitment and trust in God resulting in changed lives of some of the characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

"Far Side of the Sea" was a true triumph of a read, and has once again proven author Kate Breslin's skill at penning a story well worth reading. 

Set in WWI like her previous two novels, "Far Side of the Sea" follows the story of Lieutenant Colin Mabry, who happens to be the brother of Grace Mabry, the main character of "Not By Sight". I truly appreciated that she linked both books together, and seeing familiar faces in "Far Side of the Sea" felt as if I were reuniting with old friends. This novel follows the story of Colin as he struggles to adjust to life after receiving a major injury on the front. His relatively safe, predictable post is turned upside down when he receives a message by carrier pigeon...a message written by a young woman he had loved, Jewel Reyer, whom he had thought dead. 

The truth, however, is far more complicated, as Colin flies to war-ridden France only to discover that the note wasn't written by Jewel, but by her half-sister, Johanna. Initially distrustful of the young woman's motives, Colin soon learns that it is believed Jewel is indeed alive...but in the hands of a German agent. Determined to fulfill a promise of love he had made to Jewel, he sets out with Johanna to find her, despite the risks involved. As Colin and Johanna learn to trust each other to survive, not only to they begin to grow fond of one other, but the stakes are raised to an incredibly costly price. With the risk of enemy spies around every corner, every action they make is a potentially life-threatening one. As they draw closer to the truth, which is far more complex then either of them realized, they also grow closer together. 

"Far Side of the Sea" was a truly wonderful read, one that I couldn't put down. It was the perfect blend of suspense and romance, tastefully filled with Christian themes that never were overpowering or cliche. I loved getting to know Colin and Johanna, they were wonderfully fleshed-out characters who were very relatable and understandable. The fact that this story was set against the backdrop of WWI was very interesting, considering that there aren't many historical fiction books focusing on this incredibly interesting time period. Her stories always have been so immersive, and this book is no different. I have enjoyed every single book that Breslin has released, and second to For Such a Time, "Far Side of the Sea" certainly must be my next favorite!

After reading and absolutely loving High as the Heavens back in 2017, I have been eagerly anticipating Kate Breslin's next book. I really enjoyed Far Side of the Sea, but I didn't love it the way I did High as the Heavens, perhaps my expectations were so incredibly high that there was no possible way this book could meet them. I immediately liked Johanna, she was such a great blend of spunk and sweetness! I totally fell for Colin, wow, can you say swoon worthy?! He is definitely one of my favorite heroes of 2019 so far! Something I wasn't expecting and absolutely loved was the humor and super fun banter between Jo and Colin, I laughed out loud numerous times! 
I did not realize that carrier pigeons served in WWI and I was not only fascinated by the history of these plucky little birds, but became quite attached to Johanna's favorite pigeon, Little Corporal! 
This book has several thrilling twists and turns! I think I enjoyed the second half a bit more than the first half because of the fabulous action and suspense, the first half was definitely good and interesting enough to keep me turning pages, but honestly there were moments where I became a bit bored and wished for a bit more action, but once I passed the halfway mark things just took off and the pages started flying!
Overall, though High as the Heavens is still my favorite, Far Side of the Sea is a great book that I really enjoyed reading and highly recommend to fans of Christian historical romance! I recently purchased Kate Breslin's first WWI novel, Not By Sight which I am very much looking forward to reading soon, and I can't wait to see what else Ms. Breslin has in store for us! 


I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher. The above review is my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

Spies. Mystery. War torn France and Britain in World War One. Christian historical fiction. Twists and turns leaving you wondering who to trust. After her mother dies during resistance fighting in Ireland, Jo searches in France for her father and the sister whom she had just learned about. Colin, a British soldier, had been wounded in France and was hidden and cared for by Jo's sister Jewel. Jo contacts Colin for help to find Jewel, knowing he had pledged to go back for her.

Colonizing a foreign country with enemy spies was an established practice (and is actually still done today). In this story Jo and Jewel's father was a notorious spy for Germany while living in France. The story wraps and folds around these facts, with help from British and American agents. It keeps you off kilter, while the growing relationship of trust between Jo and Colin keeps you rooting for them.

An interesting facet added to the story is the use of carrier pigeons for intelligence communication. Numerous accounts of heroism have been linked to these little birds, as the author had researched. She wound them into the story, with a particular little hero's real story.  Christian historical that is incredibly real.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The author of just four published novels, Breslin writes with a polish and finesse that few more experienced authors have. The attention to detail is incredible, as if each and every word is chosen with specific care. And the amount of historical detail she includes in her novels is always spectacular. I love a historical author that can teach me something about the time period. 

 I was so excited to finally read Colin's story. We got only a brief glimpse of him in Not by Sight, but I already knew he was a character with the potential for so much depth. And Breslin did not disappoint on this front. Lieutenant Mabry is such a complex and realistic character, you can't help but empathize with him. Literally from page one, I fell in love with him. Johanna Reyer, our female MC, is also an incredibly multiplex character, and I particularly related to her love of her sister and father and her desire to be reunited with them. 

This story, set mainly in WW1 France, is full of intrigue, spies, suspense, and so much historical beauty. What a stellar combination! I could not put this down. Both plot and characters kept me engaged from the very beginning and I didn't want to let them go at the end. The complexity of this story is so mind-blowing. Hats off to the author! I particularly loved the historical and regional accuracy in the dialogue. From the accents and the French and Catalan language included, all the way down to the lovely British phrases. With the attention to detail in both dialogue and description, I felt like I was living the story along with the characters. I savored every word of this magnificent story. 

The themes of faith, purpose, and love spread throughout this book just put everything over the top. I was so inspired by these characters and their journey. 

Overall, I greatly enjoyed Breslin’s newest release, and Far Side of the Sea only cements this author’s place as one of my favorites. If you enjoy suspense, intrigue, history (particularly WW1-related history), spy stories, and sweet romance, definitely check this one out! I promise you won't regret it.

It wasn't until I read the Author's Notes that I realized that this was the second book in a series. So, it works really well as a stand-alone read. Set during the First World War, references are also made to the Irish Rebellion. What happens when a wounded British soldier falls in love with a woman who took up arms against the British as a young Irish rebel? Sometimes duty and love are like oil and water. 

     Lieutenant Colin Mabry is haunted by dreams of being trapped underground, the result of having been trapped in a tunnel collapse in which he lost one hand and all the fellow soldiers that had been in the tunnel with him. Now he served in Hastings decoding messages from the front. He never expected to receive a personal message, one that would have him headed to France to rescue the woman who had once rescued him. 

      Johanna Dougherty Reyer had lost her mother in the Irish Rebellion. Now she was in France seeking the father she had seen only once as a young child and the half-sister she had only recently learned about. Discovering her sister's diary at the family farm as well as the fact that she was in serious trouble, Johanna did the only thing she could think of, sending a coded message to the man who had pledged to come back for Jewel. 

     This book has many twists and turns. The reader will be challenged to decide which characters are truly on the side of the Allies, and which are not. Deception abounds. I recommend this book to fans of historical, romantic and suspense genres. I am grateful to have received a copy of  Far Side of the Sea from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

I always enjoy Breslin’s books.  They transport me to a a different place and time.  This one sent me to France and Spain in WW1.  Colin Mabry receives a message with a request that he can’t refuse from a woman he cared deeply for and believed to be dead.  When he arrives things are not what he expected and he is caught up in a dangerous adventure as he seeks to find out the truth.
Johanna is a great character.  She’s “the most outrageous woman {Colin} had ever met.  She carried pigeons in her purse, wore men’s clothes, and revered Britain’s old nemesis, Bonapart” (location 2925).  She is a great counterpart to Colin who seems like he could use a spitfire in his life.
There was so much intrigue in this story.  People and situations aren’t what they seem to be.  It’s a great read with twists and action and even carrier pigeons! I enjoyed learning more about the pigeons and the important role they played in WW1.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book.  I would highly recommend it!  All opinions are my own.

Once I began this read, I was hooked, a wonderful historical story, set in western Europe, and deep into WWI, we are often in the line of fire. Even more we are surrounded by spies, and don’t know whom to trust, and warning don’t get too comfortable with a few of these individuals!
Deceit is abundant here, some for positive reasons and others, well!
I loved that we are reminded of this period of trial by true things that were happening, including the use of carrier pigeons. Also, the flu that was rampant during this time, and using the illness to one’s advantage!
A little sweet romance is offered, and in the beginning our main character Colin, we aren’t sure whom he is interested in, and in the end, can anything work out once secrets are revealed.
When all is done, and the last page is turned, a sense of loss was felt!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

After time spent at the Front in WWI, Colin Mabry is left with scars both physical and emotional. Despite these limitations, Colin is determined to do right by Jewel Reyer, the French woman who protected him behind enemy lines. He is caught completely off guard by an urgent note from her, requesting his help. When he arrives back in France and finds Johanna, Jewel’s half-sister, instead, he’s immediately suspicious. As they work together to untangle an increasingly complex plot, they are drawn closer to each other and further into danger.

Now, I admit that I was curious to see how Kate Breslin was going to bring the story to a peaceful conclusion with the possibility of two sisters competing for one man’s affection. I shouldn’t have worried, though. Colin’s and Johanna’s personal struggles are handled with sensitivity and a beautiful message of hope, and the ending is so wonderfully satisfying!

Far Side of the Sea has all the right notes of mystery, tender romance, and faith. I highly recommend this book to everyone but especially to those who are interested in the unique history of World War I. While this book can be read as a standalone story, I recommend enjoying Not By Sight first. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and am under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.

FAR SIDE OF THE SEA by KATE BRESLIN is a beautiful love story told against the backdrop of the First World War. There is no doubt that it was one of the most horrific times in history and we are made aware of the widespread effect of war on the countries and individuals involved. 
It is in Hastings that we meet up with Lieutenant Colin Mabry, who we last saw as a returning war hero in Not by Sight. Colin has to manage with a prosthetic hand, which, together with recurring nightmares, fear of being closed up in small spaces and guilt from unwittingly drinking the last of the water leading to a man's death, makes for a complicated character. He has, however, a strong sense of duty, and commitment to the promise he made to Jewel, a young French woman who saved his life. 
The story moves to France where we meet Johanna Reyer, Jewel's half sister, who also has issues from the past.
The story moves through France and into Spain, with just the right amount of description of the scenery. I love the introduction of the carrier pigeons, whose bravery played such a big part in the war, and in the story. It actually brings a feeling of peace amid the storm, which is also strongly brought out in Colin's faith in the God of miracles. We are reminded of the fact that, as children of God, we don't need to be defined by our past or our circumstances, or the opinions of others.
The plot is so well developed that we are kept guessing right to the end. Surrounded by spies, it is hard for Colin and Jo to know whom to trust as they set off to find Jewel.
The characters are very real, the story captivating and rather mysterious, and it is altogether a most enjoyable read. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
I was given an ARC of the book. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This book was the perfect combination of history, romance, and mystery. It didn't take me many pages into this book before I realized that I wasn't going to figure out any of the story before Breslin wanted me to. In fact, almost every bit of the second half of the book kept me guessing and some parts left me completely surprised.

One of the things I love most about Breslin's books is her attention to historical detail and accuracy. Her research into carrier pigeons was not only flawless, but it was also very interesting and gave the story a great angle. I also love her use of native languages in this book. Not many authors would have gone to the lengths of using Catalan instead of Spanish in their book, but Breslin did when it was necessary.

I really loved everything about this book, but I have to admit I loved Mabry the most. His character was such a gentleman and always did what was right. I loved his integrity. I really appreciated his flaws too. I won't give anything away, but Breslin's depictions of him were so realistic both physically and emotionally. I cannot imagine surviving the parts of war that he lived through. 

I also deeply appreciated the spiritual thread in this book. Some authors are starting to leave this part out in order to reach a broader audience and I'm glad that Breslin still includes it. I loved how seamlessly the message of faith and salvation were woven into conversations in this book. I also loved how prayer was never a thing to be taken lightly, but instead the main focus.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion.