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teyahdawn's review
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bluebell4's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
musicianjulz's review
5.0
There are certain defining moments in life when you come across that one book whose story is so tangible that you find yourself hopelessly lost in it. Books such as these are what one might call "a diamond in the rough" or a classic. What is it about them that makes them so special? Let me tell you why Kate Breslin's newest release, Not By Sight, falls into that category.
Not By Sight is a riveting story set in England during the rise of WWI. Grace Mabry and Jack Benningham, our main protagonists, lives become inevitably entangled because of a simple choice that opens a Pandora's box of troubles. Who would have thought that one white feather could leave chaos in its wake? Throughout this journey fraught with danger and espionage, they learn the vital importance of walking by faith.
I must confess that at first I wondered if I would like that book at all. Far to often, one tends to judge a book by its cover or the words of a friend. However, once I started out on the adventure, I found it utterly impossible to put down until it came to a close. The story flows like a beautiful sonorous melody, full of such emotion, depth, and wonderful cadence. Prepare to be amazed!
In my humble opinion, Not By Sight is one of the best books to come out this year. The author really does have a curious knack for storytelling and deftly weaving history, espionage, sweet romance, and resilient faith throughout the entire novel. Kate Breslin is the new author that you'll want to be following. This was my first book by her and I look forward to reading more of her incredible books. I would highly recommend it to anyone, but most especially lovers of mystery and historical fiction.
*I received a complimentary copy of Not by Sight from the author in exchange for an honest review and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.
Not By Sight is a riveting story set in England during the rise of WWI. Grace Mabry and Jack Benningham, our main protagonists, lives become inevitably entangled because of a simple choice that opens a Pandora's box of troubles. Who would have thought that one white feather could leave chaos in its wake? Throughout this journey fraught with danger and espionage, they learn the vital importance of walking by faith.
I must confess that at first I wondered if I would like that book at all. Far to often, one tends to judge a book by its cover or the words of a friend. However, once I started out on the adventure, I found it utterly impossible to put down until it came to a close. The story flows like a beautiful sonorous melody, full of such emotion, depth, and wonderful cadence. Prepare to be amazed!
In my humble opinion, Not By Sight is one of the best books to come out this year. The author really does have a curious knack for storytelling and deftly weaving history, espionage, sweet romance, and resilient faith throughout the entire novel. Kate Breslin is the new author that you'll want to be following. This was my first book by her and I look forward to reading more of her incredible books. I would highly recommend it to anyone, but most especially lovers of mystery and historical fiction.
*I received a complimentary copy of Not by Sight from the author in exchange for an honest review and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.
meezcarrie's review
5.0
A little bit Scarlet Pimpernel, a little bit Beauty and the Beast, and a little bit Phantom of the Opera, Kate Breslin’s sophomore novel Not By Sight is more than a little bit perfect. Romance, espionage and friendship collide in this stunning tale set in England during the First World War.
You might guess this from the title Not By Sight, but the themes of blindness and faith play off each other so poignantly throughout the book. As in life, every character seems to suffer from some sort of blindness – be it physical, spiritual, or metaphorical. Watching them journey through the darkness – while some do find their light -is part of what makes this book such an emotionally tender masterpiece. The idea that we see by faith, not by sight, is illuminated most through the character interactions and the acknowledgment that there is more to everyone than what we can see. Steps of faith taken, no matter how small or how giant, provide those glimmers of light for the reader too, the reminder that walking by faith is not without potholes but is also brimming with those vistas that leave you breathless in wonder.
Along with blindness, nearly every character in Not By Sight harbors a secret or ten. From espionage to true identities to guilt to family secrets, the men and women gathered at Lord Roxwood’s estate are a regular Pandora’s box of subterfuge. As for what happens when that box is cracked open, little by little? Well, you’re just going to have to read the book to find out but trust me you will not be disappointed! A word of caution, though: Don’t schedule anything (including sleep) once you start reading Not By Sight because you will find it most difficult to put down until you’ve finished it!
The romance between Jack and Grace is electric, the breathless tension apparent from their first meeting and in every encounter thereafter. Theirs is the best sort of love, in my opinion – linked like lightning at first sight but then forged by friendship over the course of time. They lose nothing of the sizzle to this friendship; it only deepens into something tender and beautiful and strong … as all the great ones do :)
Speaking of friendship, the girls of the Women’s Forage Corps added a whole new layer to this story and in my opinion gave Grace her best chances to bloom. Anyone who has ever lived in a college dorm (or watched reality TV) knows that when you put more than 1 female at a time in close quarters, conflict will erupt. It’s only a matter of time. In Not By Sight, that conflict leaps forward pretty much the second Grace sets foot on Lord Roxwood’s estate and meets the other WFC girls. While I would have been tempted to open my mouth and give back sass for sass, Grace’s pure heart shines through in her replies and actions. The effect she has on this particular WFC gang leaves behind a lesson we would all do well to learn in this society of social media and volatile opinions. The WFC also provided Grace her best opportunity to grow as a person, as a woman, and as a friend. She struggled at first to adapt to these new-to-her tasks, absorbing the criticism and mockery, but was determined to do her part to help the troops. To me, these things put Grace on my favorite heroine’s list… even if her self-control can be a little annoying ;)
And Jack… there’s something about flawed heroes. There’s something about scarred heroes, too. But deep within, Jack has a soft heart (though I wouldn’t necessarily say that to his face lol). It shows up whenever he’s in Grace’s presence, which will probably make you all melty inside. Out of everybody in Not By Sight, Jack perhaps has the most to lose… but also the most to gain. Watching him juggle those two outcomes – along with his feelings for Grace – set him on my favorite heroes list. Which is nice for him, since Grace is there to keep him company lol.
Bottom Line: Penned in the exquisite writing style that made an award winner of Breslin’s debut novel For Such A Time, her second novel Not By Sight is not to be missed. With intriguing history and vivid characters, you will be swept away to the English countryside and the world of espionage and spunky women. Highly recommended for anyone and everyone but especially for those readers who love historical fiction, spy novels, and/or the themes of Beauty and the Beast & Phantom of the Opera.
(I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing as well as Netgalley in exchange for only my honest review.)
You might guess this from the title Not By Sight, but the themes of blindness and faith play off each other so poignantly throughout the book. As in life, every character seems to suffer from some sort of blindness – be it physical, spiritual, or metaphorical. Watching them journey through the darkness – while some do find their light -is part of what makes this book such an emotionally tender masterpiece. The idea that we see by faith, not by sight, is illuminated most through the character interactions and the acknowledgment that there is more to everyone than what we can see. Steps of faith taken, no matter how small or how giant, provide those glimmers of light for the reader too, the reminder that walking by faith is not without potholes but is also brimming with those vistas that leave you breathless in wonder.
Along with blindness, nearly every character in Not By Sight harbors a secret or ten. From espionage to true identities to guilt to family secrets, the men and women gathered at Lord Roxwood’s estate are a regular Pandora’s box of subterfuge. As for what happens when that box is cracked open, little by little? Well, you’re just going to have to read the book to find out but trust me you will not be disappointed! A word of caution, though: Don’t schedule anything (including sleep) once you start reading Not By Sight because you will find it most difficult to put down until you’ve finished it!
The romance between Jack and Grace is electric, the breathless tension apparent from their first meeting and in every encounter thereafter. Theirs is the best sort of love, in my opinion – linked like lightning at first sight but then forged by friendship over the course of time. They lose nothing of the sizzle to this friendship; it only deepens into something tender and beautiful and strong … as all the great ones do :)
Speaking of friendship, the girls of the Women’s Forage Corps added a whole new layer to this story and in my opinion gave Grace her best chances to bloom. Anyone who has ever lived in a college dorm (or watched reality TV) knows that when you put more than 1 female at a time in close quarters, conflict will erupt. It’s only a matter of time. In Not By Sight, that conflict leaps forward pretty much the second Grace sets foot on Lord Roxwood’s estate and meets the other WFC girls. While I would have been tempted to open my mouth and give back sass for sass, Grace’s pure heart shines through in her replies and actions. The effect she has on this particular WFC gang leaves behind a lesson we would all do well to learn in this society of social media and volatile opinions. The WFC also provided Grace her best opportunity to grow as a person, as a woman, and as a friend. She struggled at first to adapt to these new-to-her tasks, absorbing the criticism and mockery, but was determined to do her part to help the troops. To me, these things put Grace on my favorite heroine’s list… even if her self-control can be a little annoying ;)
And Jack… there’s something about flawed heroes. There’s something about scarred heroes, too. But deep within, Jack has a soft heart (though I wouldn’t necessarily say that to his face lol). It shows up whenever he’s in Grace’s presence, which will probably make you all melty inside. Out of everybody in Not By Sight, Jack perhaps has the most to lose… but also the most to gain. Watching him juggle those two outcomes – along with his feelings for Grace – set him on my favorite heroes list. Which is nice for him, since Grace is there to keep him company lol.
Bottom Line: Penned in the exquisite writing style that made an award winner of Breslin’s debut novel For Such A Time, her second novel Not By Sight is not to be missed. With intriguing history and vivid characters, you will be swept away to the English countryside and the world of espionage and spunky women. Highly recommended for anyone and everyone but especially for those readers who love historical fiction, spy novels, and/or the themes of Beauty and the Beast & Phantom of the Opera.
(I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing as well as Netgalley in exchange for only my honest review.)
jjlibrarian's review
3.0
Kate Breslin’s recent release, “Not by Sight” is set in England during World War I. The main character, Grace Mabry, is determined to fight for England’s cause, and in doing so, moves to the country to work for the Woman’s Forage Corps. Finding the work challenging but fulfilling, she stumbles upon Sir Jack Benningham and into a mystery that goes beyond her own personal story.
I had a difficult time continuing to read this book, which is unusual for me as I love to read, and I adore historical fiction. The plot and pace of the book are very slow, and Grace’s character is a stretch for the time period, as that of a suffragette. It reads somewhat like a Jane Austen book, so if she is one of your favorites then this book might resonate with you. I did enjoy the end where the story’s multiple plot surprises were revealed, but it seemed like too little too late.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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 had a difficult time continuing to read this book, which is unusual for me as I love to read, and I adore historical fiction. The plot and pace of the book are very slow, and Grace’s character is a stretch for the time period, as that of a suffragette. It reads somewhat like a Jane Austen book, so if she is one of your favorites then this book might resonate with you. I did enjoy the end where the story’s multiple plot surprises were revealed, but it seemed like too little too late.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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.”
marlo_c's review
3.0
I’m giving Not by Sight the benefit of the doubt with 3 stars as I feel like I can’t quite judge it fairly since I ended up speed reading through it. I realized in the first chapter when the descriptions of the main characters were basically that she was stunning and determined and he was handsome with a dazzling smile, and a playboy to boot, where this story was heading. From that point on, I began skimming, occasionally slowing down hoping for improvement. The characters just didn’t feel authentic, and the story didn’t hold the intrigue it could have. I appreciate wanting to write a book that explores and admires faith; I just didn’t think it was well-executed.
scottishpixie26's review
4.0
Great story with great characters. Was shocked at one point. Only thing, I wished there was an epilogue. I felt that the story ended quite abruptly.
erin_j's review against another edition
5.0
Great, clean romance! I really enjoyed it!
I enjoyed the time period. The slight intrigue, spy storyline. The characters. Yeah, it was a good book. It was just predictable enough, not everything was given away too easily, which is nice. It's not always fun to know everything by the middle of the book.
I also liked Marcus and Clare's storyline and was hoping there would be a sequel with that story, but I don't believe there is one. Sad...but maybe the author is working on it...I can only hope!
I enjoyed the time period. The slight intrigue, spy storyline. The characters. Yeah, it was a good book. It was just predictable enough, not everything was given away too easily, which is nice. It's not always fun to know everything by the middle of the book.
I also liked Marcus and Clare's storyline and was hoping there would be a sequel with that story, but I don't believe there is one. Sad...but maybe the author is working on it...I can only hope!
anabbesteves's review
3.0
*The publisher provided this book in exchange for an honest review trough NetGalley.*
Grace Mabry is a young suffragette that will do anything to assure that her country wins the war and her brother comes home alive and well.
Jack Benningham is a rich heir of the Earl of Stonebrooke that everyone thinks is a superficial and careless young man, worried only with the beautiful things in the world but secretly he works as a spy for the British Crown.
When Grace breaks in a masquerade to distribute white feathers of cowardice and gives one to Jack they lock eyes and they couldn't possibly imagine the chain of events started by that look.
I liked the way the author introduces the reader to the reality that's liived trough the story, which has nothing to do with the way we live today, having different duties and freedoms.
The characthers while very complex and well developed are missing something, I don't know what it is and I'm not saying they're not good but I think there's a "click" missing.
I liked the plot twists and it's a different take in a romance.
If you like slow paced and calm romances you'll love this book!
http://addictedbookslover.blogspot.pt/2015/08/not-by-sight-by-kate-breslin.html
Grace Mabry is a young suffragette that will do anything to assure that her country wins the war and her brother comes home alive and well.
Jack Benningham is a rich heir of the Earl of Stonebrooke that everyone thinks is a superficial and careless young man, worried only with the beautiful things in the world but secretly he works as a spy for the British Crown.
When Grace breaks in a masquerade to distribute white feathers of cowardice and gives one to Jack they lock eyes and they couldn't possibly imagine the chain of events started by that look.
I liked the way the author introduces the reader to the reality that's liived trough the story, which has nothing to do with the way we live today, having different duties and freedoms.
The characthers while very complex and well developed are missing something, I don't know what it is and I'm not saying they're not good but I think there's a "click" missing.
I liked the plot twists and it's a different take in a romance.
If you like slow paced and calm romances you'll love this book!
http://addictedbookslover.blogspot.pt/2015/08/not-by-sight-by-kate-breslin.html
impalalove's review against another edition
1.0
Not By Sight is going to be a star and a half, particularly how I didn't like it. To be fair, it is a rather pleasant book, but very slow-paced, and the synopsis was so misleading. It makes it sound like a romance or even a partners-in-crime solving team that happens after their meeting at the ball. In the ball meeting, Grace (the main lead), gives Jack (the love interest) the white feather that signifies that he is a chicken for not signing up to help the country's war efforts.
to get involved, and since the only member of the household we had met was , I figured who it was quickly. I wasn't even surprised at the reasons why, as I figured despite their character, something had to be motivating them to spy for the opposing side.
And I found this novel particularly preachy. I did expect this a bit considering it's marketed as a Christian romance, but after a while, it got irritating.
Romance in question? Probably related to its genre (see above), but practically non existent.
Spoiler
Nope! What happens instead is after the initial meeting is stuffed of clichés about the newcomer beauty and the town's monster. And they spend a rather large amount of the book on drives in the countryside.Spoiler
There's a reason why I say clichés, particularly within the beauty and the beast sub-genre.Spoiler
And the ending wasn't even surprising. I knew that the spy had to be within the family for both fatherSpoiler
and daughterSpoiler
AgnesAnd I found this novel particularly preachy. I did expect this a bit considering it's marketed as a Christian romance, but after a while, it got irritating.
Romance in question? Probably related to its genre (see above), but practically non existent.