Review of In Love's Time by Kate Breslin

About the Book ~

At the height of World War I, two sweethearts face impossible odds in this powerful tale of courage, duty, and heartbreak.

In the summer of 1918, Captain Marcus Weatherford arrives in Russia on a secret mission, with a beautiful ballerina posing as his fiancée. He's there to find the Romanov tsarina and her son and glean information about a plot to assassinate Lenin. As the danger intensifies, Marcus's sense of duty battles with his desire to return home to Clare, the woman he truly loves, before it's too late.

Military hospital orderly Clare Danner still suffers from Marcus's betrayal after learning he's engaged to another woman. Clare also fears losing her daughter, Daisy, to the heartless family who took her away once before. Only Marcus can provide the critical proof needed to save Daisy, but when an injury leaves him powerless to help, Clare's fate--and the fate of the top-secret mission--hangs in the balance.

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

My Thoughts ~

Looking to step back into time with a gripping story what would rival any told by Julian Fellowes? Then I insist you check out In Love's Time by Kate Breslin!

I loved how In Love's Time felt like 50 First Dates or Remember Sunday meets Downton Abbey! The amnesia twist was a lot of fun and added to the romantic angst. Also, if you're a fan of the show, the Downton Abbey vibes were EVERYTHING! Clare's experience with both downstairs service and upstairs life harkened to some of the best aspects of the fan favorite, yet In Love's Time was still completely its own story. I also loved the subplot with Marcus' sister, her love of horticulture, and a second love story. I felt the pressure, stress, and the race against the clock that the characters experienced, forcing me to happily devour the book in order to keep up with the plot. Additionally, I loved how the author included nuggets of history, including Britain's first all-female-run military hospital!

The spiritual plot of In Love's Time was less overt, but it was still very meaningful! Marcus and Clare each needed to learn how to truly trust, the kind of trust enduring love needs to grow and thrive. I greatly appreciated how the author highlighted that this was an issue for Marcus just as much as it was for Clare, as Marcus' traumatic childhood prevented him from fully trusting Clare -- or God -- with his future. Amnesia and wartime betrayal prevented Clare and Marcus from resolving their issues for quite some time -- an excellent plot device! -- but when they were finally able to communicate and work through their trust issues, my heart was very happy!

Four Stars ~ In Love's Time by Kate Breslin was a beautiful story about the endurance of love! In Love's Time was a standalone story, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the 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 loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girls. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

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.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin

About the Book ~

In 1917, Evelyn Marche is just one of many women who has been widowed by the war. A British nurse trapped in German-occupied Brussels, she spends her days working at a hospital and her nights as a waitress in her aunt and uncle's café. Eve also has a carefully guarded secret keeping her in constant danger: She's a spy working for a Belgian resistance group in league with the British Secret Service.

When a British plane crashes in Brussels Park, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to discover she recognizes the badly injured pilot. British RFC Captain Simon Forrester is now a prisoner of war, and Eve knows he could be shot as a spy at any time. She risks her own life to hide him from the Germans, but as the danger mounts and the secrets between them grow, their chance of survival looks grim. And even if they do make it out alive, the truth of what lies between them may be more than any love can overcome.

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

My Thoughts ~

Guys. Just. Seriously. Read this book!

First of all, this cover! It's gorgeously vintage! I love how the cover model fades into the sky and the planes. Absolutely stunning!

Thankfully, the story is as equally as stunning. I think this is my favorite Kate Breslin story - at least for now. ;-)  High as the Heavens is a World War 1 romance. This story contains everything I could want. A hero and heroine separated by war, mystery, subterfuge, treason, hope, redemption, and a swoony romance!

Eve was such an amazing heroine! She was brave. The author note tells readers that Eve was based on three different women from World War 1. How cool is that?? Eve proved to be realistic, too. Her pain, heartache, and guilt over her mistakes in the war showcased God's amazing, redemptive love, forgiveness, and mercy. Simon reminded me of a Scottish version of Westley from The Princess Bride. He was tender, steadfast in his love, and had this dreamy "Death cannot stop true love," vibe. Yeah, I know!

Five Stars - Beautiful! Honestly, anyone who enjoys a war romance needs to pick up this book! You will be swept away! The story grabs you, refusing to release you until the last page.

I received a copy of High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.

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

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. She is a youth leader at her church, and loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens. 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.