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 … 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.
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Authentic, realistic, action-packed, and romantic, Far Side of the Sea is one of those rare novels that immerses you into the time period as few books do. Colin and Johanna are flesh and blood characters so multi-layered they feel like close friends. I especially enjoy when an author/book teaches me something as in the dovecote scene, and when the faith element is so beautifully woven into the whole. One very compelling read. Next up is For Such a Time, another historical with a beautiful cover and premise!
Just when I think I’ve read my favorite Kate Breslin book, she goes and writes another one. Far Side of the Sea had everything I love about historical romance. Colin and Johanna’s story was filled with intrigue, chemistry, faith, tenderness, surprising twists, and so much more! I was rooting for these characters from the very beginning and loved learning new things about spies and carrier pigeons used during WWI.
Can they find the peace they both seek?
I’m always up for a good Kate Breslin book, I think I’ve read all but her first release. But Far Side Of The Sea was really something else! A hidden diary, espionage, coded messages, a drugging or two, a wild trip through WWI Europe, and spies…lots of spies! It was great!!!
I loved both Colin and Jo. They have been hurt but they don’t let the pain of the past stop them from doing what they know is right. I think their struggles with finding and hanging on to faith during difficult times are something we can all relate to even though we aren’t exactly facing the same war-torn situation.
Far Side Of The Sea is probably my favorite Kate Breslin book, yeah, I know I say that every time but it’s still true. I really enjoyed every bit of it from learning about carrier pigeons to the quotes from Napoleon, from the adventure to the vividly painted landscapes of France and Spain. I loved the book and it’s definitely one that would recommend to any historical fiction fan!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Loved this book so much!! My favorite character was a bird believe it or not. Lol
Always enjoy Kate’s books, and this one didn’t disappoint. The different settings were all wonderfully described and the action kept going. There was even a twist I didn’t see coming. A great read.
If you are wishing to travel but your budget is limited, this is the book for you! I enjoyed traveling Eastern Europe in the pages of this exciting story. We start out in England, travel across the pond to Paris, France, and take a train to Barcelona, Spain with several other stops in various locations.
Set during World War I, we are often close enough to witness the bombings. Spies for various nations are in abundance and often it’s difficult to discern who we can trust. If you are searching for a book that promises adventure, mystery, and romance then look no further!
I love how real the story felt. The characters, the settings, the history. I felt like I was right there in the action! It did take me a few chapters to really sink into this story, however that could have been because I was sick and ended up setting the story aside for a few days to sleep and recover.
This book has earned a spot on my keeper shelf to be pulled back out later and enjoyed again! I encourage you to pick up a copy for your own enjoyment. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Kate Breslin’s Far Side of the Sea takes place during the “The War To End All Wars”.
Lieutenant Colin Mabry has sustained a life changing injury and is now working M18 and coping with the changes in his life. He receives a coded message that asks the unthinkable and he wrestles with the truth of the request. So begins the story of disappointments, misunderstandings, assumptions and finally redemption. The characters are well written and the strength and weaknesses are part of who they are as they all seek that which seems lost. You shall meet Johanna Reyer, Jewell Reyer and Jacob Reyer as well as more whose contribution to Colin brings resolution and love to his life. I remember vaguely(unfortunately) the cause and duration of WWI and as I read Miss Kate’s book I saw some of what could be seen through the eyes of those who serve in any conflict. The story moves nicely and I read it in 3 days simply because it had piqued my interest from the first chapter. You will enjoy the time frame and the intrigue of espionage and greed. I recommend spending the time and the price for yet another wonderful book by Kate Breslin. There is nothing to distract you from the beauty of finding relief from life’s hardship through He Who will complete “that good work in you”. I was privileged to receive this book from the author and Bethany House. The views I have shared are my own. Get the book and find a beautiful story that will make you think!
I didn’t realize that this is the second book in a series when I started reading it but discovered it is when I read the authors note at the back of the book. So now I want to read, Not by Sight because this a fascinating storyline and one of my favorite genres to read.
Having said that I will also say that I enjoyed this story even though I hadn’t read, Not by Sight. Ms. Breslin clearly does her research and I enjoyed reading about the carrier pigeons used during WW1 and even though I was familiar with their use during that time it was still interesting to read about it in this novel.
Colin Mabry and Jewel Reyer are fascinating characters and the twists and turns in their storyline had me wanting know more about what was going to happen to them. It took me far longer to read this book than I anticipated because I did not want to miss one single detail of this intricate story and sometimes went over some passages a couple of times which is something that I rarely do but loved doing in this novel. It’s just not something that I wanted to rush through simply because the writing is so superb I wanted to appreciate every single word.
There isn’t one thing that I didn’t enjoy about this book, from the well crafted characters to traveling across Spain and France with them in this artfully written book. I am looking forward to reading whatever Kate Breslin writes next because I know it’s going to be amazing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Far Side of the Sea, by Kate Breslin, is such a wonderful novel! The breathtaking, European settings, the WWI era mystery and intrigue, and the thoroughly engaging characters make this book a delight to read. Well-researched and beautifully written, it is certainly a book to be treasured and savored.
From beginning to end, I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Breslin’s elegant and expressive writing. Her detailed descriptions of the clothing, manners, customs, and culture of a time long since faded into memory make this novel especially fascinating and engaging. The compelling mystery within this story, the intriguing details of espionage, and the unique role that pigeons played in the fight to win WWI are a few of my favorite components of the overall plot. Like all great stories, Far Side of the Sea also artfully integrates a compelling thematic combination of struggle and success, heartache and hope, and loss and restoration.
The characters within this book are truly authentic and relatable. I found myself easily invested in their stories, sincerely caring about them and eagerly turning the pages to learn more about them and their fears, their motivations, and their faith. The gently unfolding romance in this novel is wonderfully endearing and heart-warming. Ms. Breslin has the talent to ensure that the mere description of an evening walk along the beach is a literary moment that is sweetly thrilling and memorable.
With its thoroughly satisfying blend of history, romance, faith, and mystery, Far Side of the Sea is a well-written, delightfully entertaining novel that I can enthusiastically recommend to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
“No matter where they take him, you are never alone. God is with you. Know it, and trust in Him.”
What an adventure! Kate Breslin’s writing, as always, is flawless but this story steps it up a notch by adding quite a bit of mystery and intrigue as spies infiltrate Europe during WWI. The plot is intricately crafted to make this story a page-turner and the real history behind the story is quite interesting. Kate Breslin combines these elements with unforgettable characters, beautiful dialogue, and lessons in faith and courage to bring forth another stunning, must-read historical fiction.
There is a book that comes before this one called Not By Sight but I did not read it before reading this book. Far Side of the Sea can be read as a stand-alone and I don’t think I missed anything though Grace (Colin’s twin) and her fiancé from the first book do play minor roles in this story.
Colin is a swoon-worthy hero who is loyal, faithful, kind and tender-hearted though he’s emotionally and physically wounded and scarred from serving in the front line during the war. He’s definitely flawed, with his easily stoked temper and constant sense of insecurity, but his courage and bravery to do the right thing win the day. Johanna is a young woman with a troubled and tragic past who is only looking for love and acceptance from a father and sister she never knew. Though somewhat unconventional for her time, Jo is straight-forward, fun, loving and fiercely loyal to those whom she loves. Their romance, courage, and faith blossom as they work together in the midst of treachery and deception and espionage to find Jo’s long-lost father.
For historical fiction and historical romance aficionados, this book is one of the top reads of 2019!
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely 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.
Kate Breslin has written another epic love story set during WWI. It takes place in England, France and Spain as the war is going on. When the main character is stationed in England, he can hear the German guns blowing up buildings in France and when he gets to Paris, he sees the devastation for himself.
The year is 1918 and 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, the woman who saved his life in France. She needed help and she knew that she could trust him. He had believed that she was dead so was anxious to go to Paris as requested to help her out. Not only had she saved his life but they developed feelings for each other while she was hiding him from the enemy. He was upset when he got to Paris and the person who met him was not Jewel but instead her sister Johanna. She had found Jewel’s diary in the wreckage of her house and after reading about Colin in the diary, she knew that he would help her find her sister and their father. She had knowledge that her sister was being held captive by a German soldier and needed help to escape. As their search starts out, they are surrounded by spies from both sides and have no idea who to trust and who could harm them. As they travel from France to Spain, they get even further into a deadly case of espionage that could cause their deaths and they realize that they can only trust each other.
This book has it all — a sweeping view of WWI and it’s effects on France, the beauty of Spain, spies and counter spies but most importantly it has love and the firm belief that God will help the couple survive and be successful in their quest.
I really enjoyed this novel and hope to see these characters again in a future novel by Kate Breslin.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
“No matter where they take him, you are never alone,Johanna. God is with you. Know it and trust in him.”
This book keeps the reader questioning who can be trusted and who can’t. Historical fiction mixed with suspense is a very enjoyable genre. I also enjoyed the fact that previous characters from Not by Sight are found in this read. What a treat for this reader!
I really enjoyed the characters in this book…including the secondary characters that really add to to the story. The historical information included in the book is fascinating as well. Don’t miss out reading the authors note at the end.
Trust is at the root of this story…who can you trust?
A suspense story with terrific characters that keeps the reader guessing until the end. Go get a copy…and if you haven’t read Not by Sight, do yourself a favor and read that as well!
I received this book from the publisher. The opinions are my own.
“He is a loving father,Johanna. God metes out Justice and mercy. Even miracles.”
With Far Side of the Sea, Kate Breslin masterfully crafted a wonderful story of spies, espionage, and romance. Using an original idea, Breslin used carrier pigeons and made them a part of the action. She captured my attention pretty early on and didn’t let go. The actions started right from the first page and allowed me to stay engrossed in the lives of Colin and Johanna. The romance fizzed and sparkled all through the story. It wasn’t too sappy. It grew organically, allowing me to see their trust in each other grow while trying to hunt for Johanna’s sister. The historical plot flowed well mixing with a hint of mystery, which really captured my suspense loving side. The story was original and well-written. I can’t wait to re-read it and feel lost in the words again. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year so far. Far Side of the Sea is an informative and entertaining read. I definitely recommend reading this novel. Fans of Breslin’s other works, Roseanna M. White, and Elizabeth Camden should try this novel. It fits well with these type of historical romance novels.
I received a complimentary copy of Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Spies. Mystery. War torn France and Britain in World War Two. 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.”
I was impressed with the depth and complexity that is in this book. I usually feel that historical romances pretty much share all the same tropes and have no depth to them. I’m happy to say that this book is not like that. It is a combination of historical mystery, intrigue, thriller, with a dash of romance set during WW1. Reading a book set in WW1 was a nice change from the usual abundance of WW2 novels (not that there is anything wrong with that, I read them a lot).
The plot keeps you guessing with twists and turns you don’t see coming. I loved reading about the use of pigeons relaying messages and many other things about WW1 I didn’t know the details of.
The ending was satisfying and I felt happy for the characters like they were my friends. No cliffhangers endings here! Far Side of the Sea is clean enough even for middle-grades and would make a great book report for school. Happy reading!
My Review:
Genre: Historical, WWI, romance, Christian fiction.
My Rating: 5 stars.
My Recommendation: 13 up for romance.
My Favorite Character/s: Huh, hard to say, I guess it should be No or Colin but it isn’t . . . My favorite is Marcus, who though not in the book much I loved his character and the spying was so cool! I don’t know but the little we get to see if Marcus is quite intriguing and it’s interesting to see how way of working with lovesick men who’ve made a mistake with their words or actions.
My Verse for Marcus is 2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
My Thoughts: I am in love! My second novel by the author in a day and man, are they wonderful! WWI is a favorite time period of mine and I’m always on the lookout for books about WWI but they are hard to find, unlike WWII. Anyway, this story was so incredibly fantastic, Colin, wounded warrior though that’s not the term used then, and Jo, all alone and searching for her family. It’s a sad and romantic book with a man who honors Christ while breaking free of his past.
Warnings: Mentions of a child born out of wedlock, a character is shot and another character is drugged.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it.
As a girl who grew up living vicariously through Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames, and Vickie Barr, there’s not much I love better in a book than clean-cut characters working their way through an adventure-ridden mystery with charm, handsome heroes a-plenty, and pretty clothes! Kate Breslin’s books are all that and more. When you add in thorough historical details, stunning settings, and a sweet inspirational message, you’ve got a winner!
The book takes place in 1918, and I so enjoyed the main couple’s meet cute: Johanna, in cap and goggles, riding up on a motorcycle and—Titan’s Teeth—asking Colin to stuff himself into the side car. Then they’re off to lovely locals in France and Spain in search of recapturing old loves, catching spies, stumbling over imposters, and falling in love.
I found Colin’s war experiences with the fellow soldiers and citizens who sacrificed to keep him alive particularly touching. A fascinating aspect of the story is Johanna’s work with carrier pigeons, which (in real life) successfully aided early intelligence efforts during World War I.
This sweeping, old-fashioned historical romance is a delight. If that’s your genre, grab a copy and enjoy!
Carrier pigeons with messages, a journal found, a wounded officer–and a tenacious heroine…how could I not like this book! I love how the author made the character’s faith to be a life-line. Because it is!
A well written and researched WW1 story, full of twists and turns, spies, double agents, espionage and a touch of romance.