Review of Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin

About the Book ~

In 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for M18 after suffering injuries at the front. When he receives an urgent summons by carrier pigeon from Jewel Reyer -- a woman who saved his life and whom he believed to be dead -- he can only hope he'll regain the courage he lost on the front lines as he's driven back into war-torn France.

But Jewel isn't the one waiting for him in Paris. Instead, it is a stranger who claims to be her half sister, Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence. She found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive and in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust grows.

That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives.

For more information about Kate Breslin and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Every time I read a new book by Kate Breslin, it becomes my favorite of her books because each story is EVEN BETTER than the last brilliant story!!! Far Side of the Sea exceeded all of my expectations!!!

Set during World War 1, the author has a truly remarkable way of opening up this era of history for the reader. I always learn fascinating details (like military dovecotes and spy stuff from WW1) in addition to enjoying a riveting mystery! And the settings came alive for me! From the glitz and glam to the dirty and scary, each detail and location of this adventure was vivid in my mind's eye!

The author's fans will squeal (like I did) as they start Colin's journey! While we are first introduced to Colin in Not By Sight, readers will have no problem following this standalone adventure. (But if you have read Not By Sight, then you're going to be giddy with the cameos the author gave us!)  At the start of the story, we find Colin worn down and weary after an injury at the front results in the loss of his hand. This trauma has colored how Colin views himself, and he believes he is less than everyone else. My heart also ached for Johanna as the extent of her desire to be loved and the mistakes of her past were revealed throughout the story.

Despite everything working to keep them apart, Colin and Johanna's romance is the kind of epic love story that reminds me of some of my favorite Cary Grant movies! While their chemistry will make your heart swoon, there's a deeper love story in the works for both of them through God's loving pursuit of their hearts. Colin is drawn out of his self-doubt as he embraces not only loving someone else despite their flaws but also himself, and Johanna discovers a deeper love that she's always needed in our loving God Who wants her for her. Truly, my words do not give the depth and emotion of these spiritual journeys justice, so you should trust me and read it for yourself!

Five Stars ~ Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin is a masterful adventure with the kind of romance that will make you swoon!!!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

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