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heather_renae's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great book overall. It had spying, Intrigue, War, plots and secret codes. Even a very smart messenger pigeon.
The characters were complex and well developed, and all were embroiled in a complex web of familial or country loyalties so at times you could not tell who could be trusted or not. All in the style of a good thriller.
The faith elements were well handled and the romance was sweet, without being overly simplistic or instantaneous. In fact, for much of the book the hero is meant to be in love with another character. So its an unlikely romance.
There were a few things I counted against it though. I think Colin was a little too gullible in certain areas, to fall for the same trick twice. I mean c'mon. He was meant to be an experienced soldier with connections in military intelligence. I expected better of him.
Secondly were the inevitable Americanisms. British people using only a fork to eat in the American manner, and various Americanisms which crept into the narrative. I also feel there were a few things that weren't adequately resolved or developed. I can't quite put my finger on it, it might just be that the ending felt really rushed but I think I preferred the last novel in the series.
It was a good read altogether though. A solid 4 stars.
The characters were complex and well developed, and all were embroiled in a complex web of familial or country loyalties so at times you could not tell who could be trusted or not. All in the style of a good thriller.
The faith elements were well handled and the romance was sweet, without being overly simplistic or instantaneous. In fact, for much of the book the hero is meant to be in love with another character. So its an unlikely romance.
There were a few things I counted against it though. I think Colin was a little too gullible in certain areas, to fall for the same trick twice. I mean c'mon. He was meant to be an experienced soldier with connections in military intelligence. I expected better of him.
Secondly were the inevitable Americanisms. British people using only a fork to eat in the American manner, and various Americanisms which crept into the narrative. I also feel there were a few things that weren't adequately resolved or developed. I can't quite put my finger on it, it might just be that the ending felt really rushed but I think I preferred the last novel in the series.
It was a good read altogether though. A solid 4 stars.
turquoiseavenue's review against another edition
4.0
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
In true Kate Breslin fashion, she delivers another exquisitely romantic tale in Far Side of the Sea. This sweet, tender historical fiction novel is all I hoped for and more. Being a huge fan of Breslin’s novels, For Such a Time and Not By Sight, I was looking forward to this newest release.
Johanna Reyer is a young woman, alone in this world, desperately seeking to find her sister and father in war-torn France. Her journey and persistence lead her to Colin Mabry, one of her sister’s friends who works decoding message for MI8. As the pair sets out to locate Jewel Reyer, they work together posing as a married couple and traverse Europe during the era of WWI, working alongside undercover British, French and American secret service agents.
I was captivated with this story from the first few chapters. Both Johanna and Colin battle their own unique past scars and uncover God’s truths along the way. The level of mystery that ensues the characters as the story unfolds is tantalizing. While the ending didn’t quite surprise me (I had my suspicions all along), I found the story was still complex enough to hold my interest and keep me entertained. The blooming romance between the two main characters was so touching plus I enjoyed their banter early on.
In Far Side of the Sea, Breslin educates readers to the unique way in which the various militaries utilized carrier pigeons during WWI, by weaving it into her narrative. I found this fascinating and learned something I hadn’t known before. I believe historical fiction lovers will enjoy this aspect of the novel, along with the WWI setting. Because the story holds a sense of mystery with espionage and the search for Jewel, light suspense readers may enjoy this story as well. As always, Breslin does an excellent job of delivering a beautiful Gospel message through her characters’ experiences and that is something I love dearly about her novels. So in conclusion, while For Such a Time is still my favorite Breslin novel, Far Side of the Sea is a great read also and one to be recommended!
In true Kate Breslin fashion, she delivers another exquisitely romantic tale in Far Side of the Sea. This sweet, tender historical fiction novel is all I hoped for and more. Being a huge fan of Breslin’s novels, For Such a Time and Not By Sight, I was looking forward to this newest release.
Johanna Reyer is a young woman, alone in this world, desperately seeking to find her sister and father in war-torn France. Her journey and persistence lead her to Colin Mabry, one of her sister’s friends who works decoding message for MI8. As the pair sets out to locate Jewel Reyer, they work together posing as a married couple and traverse Europe during the era of WWI, working alongside undercover British, French and American secret service agents.
I was captivated with this story from the first few chapters. Both Johanna and Colin battle their own unique past scars and uncover God’s truths along the way. The level of mystery that ensues the characters as the story unfolds is tantalizing. While the ending didn’t quite surprise me (I had my suspicions all along), I found the story was still complex enough to hold my interest and keep me entertained. The blooming romance between the two main characters was so touching plus I enjoyed their banter early on.
In Far Side of the Sea, Breslin educates readers to the unique way in which the various militaries utilized carrier pigeons during WWI, by weaving it into her narrative. I found this fascinating and learned something I hadn’t known before. I believe historical fiction lovers will enjoy this aspect of the novel, along with the WWI setting. Because the story holds a sense of mystery with espionage and the search for Jewel, light suspense readers may enjoy this story as well. As always, Breslin does an excellent job of delivering a beautiful Gospel message through her characters’ experiences and that is something I love dearly about her novels. So in conclusion, while For Such a Time is still my favorite Breslin novel, Far Side of the Sea is a great read also and one to be recommended!
lielos99's review against another edition
5.0
I love it when books bring out little known facts from history.
Breslin brings to life a period during the Great War that little know of, the use of carrier pigeons, and also gives a sense of the workd then. Love historical fiction and this is definitely a must read.
Breslin brings to life a period during the Great War that little know of, the use of carrier pigeons, and also gives a sense of the workd then. Love historical fiction and this is definitely a must read.
rgyger's review against another edition
5.0
I've not read anything by Kate Breslin before, but I am glad that I was able to pick up this novel of hers. The first thing which stood out to me while reading was the quality of Breslin's writing. Her descriptions are clear and flow well with the narrative, creating a story that feels real and well thought through.
The attention to historical detail also stands out. I love that she mentions how Colin is able to hear the bombings in Paris from his home in Hastings, England. This is a chilling detail which I had never considered the possibility of before, making the war seem all the more real to me. This, along with a number of other details, set this as a unique story among so many others.
But even with the fantastic writing and research, as story still needs to deliver on its plot and characters, which I feel that Breslin did well with. Both Colin and Johanna come with rich backgrounds as well as complex personalities and desires. And the plot line follows numerous, small twists and turns, which increased the mystery surrounding the complex world of WWI spies. Unlike many a novel I have read, the narrative surrounding espionage in this book felt like it could have actually happened.
I am glad I was able to read this book, and look forward to finding the rest of the author's work. Hopefully they will all live up to this.
I have provided an honest review after having received a copy of the book through the publisher.
The attention to historical detail also stands out. I love that she mentions how Colin is able to hear the bombings in Paris from his home in Hastings, England. This is a chilling detail which I had never considered the possibility of before, making the war seem all the more real to me. This, along with a number of other details, set this as a unique story among so many others.
But even with the fantastic writing and research, as story still needs to deliver on its plot and characters, which I feel that Breslin did well with. Both Colin and Johanna come with rich backgrounds as well as complex personalities and desires. And the plot line follows numerous, small twists and turns, which increased the mystery surrounding the complex world of WWI spies. Unlike many a novel I have read, the narrative surrounding espionage in this book felt like it could have actually happened.
I am glad I was able to read this book, and look forward to finding the rest of the author's work. Hopefully they will all live up to this.
I have provided an honest review after having received a copy of the book through the publisher.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
I really love this author! The reason I enjoy her so much is that her characters are both believable and endearing. I read Not By Sight, and this is a continuation of that story, focusing on Grace's brother Colin. Set in France in WWI, Lieutenant Colin Mabry is trying to find the girl he promised he would come back for.
Colin lost his arm in the war and returned to England to work for MI8. When he receives a coded message from the girl he thought was dead, he returns to France only to find that it is a mysterious sister who sent the note and not Jewel. As they traverse France and Spain to locate Jewel, Colin finds that more and more he is falling for her sister Joanna. I love these characters and especially Colin who struggles with the loss of his arm. Such a good book and hard to put down! I look forward to reading more by this author.
Colin lost his arm in the war and returned to England to work for MI8. When he receives a coded message from the girl he thought was dead, he returns to France only to find that it is a mysterious sister who sent the note and not Jewel. As they traverse France and Spain to locate Jewel, Colin finds that more and more he is falling for her sister Joanna. I love these characters and especially Colin who struggles with the loss of his arm. Such a good book and hard to put down! I look forward to reading more by this author.
reneesmith's review against another edition
5.0
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!
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!
rosannelortz's review against another edition
4.0
Relegated to a desk job after losing his hand, Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages sent by carrier pigeon. Strangely enough, one of the messages appears to be for him, a call for help to save Jewel Reyer, a young Frenchwoman who nursed him to health on the front and almost became his sweetheart. Determined to find Jewel, Colin heads to France where he meets up with Jewel's half-sister Johanna. Impulsive, endearing, and always late to an appointment, Johanna wants nothing more than to be reunited with her father and half-sister. Together, Colin and Johanna assume the identity of a married couple and travel from Paris to Toulouse to Barcelona, trying to free Jewel from the clutches of a German agent before it is too late, and discovering that their own hearts are now entwined in a way that will make separation unbearable.
This World War I love story had beautiful character development. Colin, damaged by the war, suffers horrific nightmares, terror of explosions, and a fear that no woman will love him on account of his mutilated body. His daily struggle to dress and feed himself with only one hand is poignantly displayed along with his bristling embarrassment over his condition. Johanna, haunted by the violence and abandonment of her past in Ireland, accepts Colin as he is with a loving and generous heart. Feeling guilt over her own attachment (as it is just possible that Colin may belong to her sister Jewel), she risks everything to maintain honesty with Colin, knowing that he may reject her when he learns the truth about her past.
The use of carrier pigeons was an important plot point in the book. Even in a time of telephones and telegraphs, these swift feathered friends proved great allies to the Allied cause. The Christian elements in this book felt slightly forced when Colin originally speaks to Johanna about God, but by the end, the message of faith was woven seamlessly into the story. This book is a clean and captivating romance that will appeal to lovers of World War I fiction.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This World War I love story had beautiful character development. Colin, damaged by the war, suffers horrific nightmares, terror of explosions, and a fear that no woman will love him on account of his mutilated body. His daily struggle to dress and feed himself with only one hand is poignantly displayed along with his bristling embarrassment over his condition. Johanna, haunted by the violence and abandonment of her past in Ireland, accepts Colin as he is with a loving and generous heart. Feeling guilt over her own attachment (as it is just possible that Colin may belong to her sister Jewel), she risks everything to maintain honesty with Colin, knowing that he may reject her when he learns the truth about her past.
The use of carrier pigeons was an important plot point in the book. Even in a time of telephones and telegraphs, these swift feathered friends proved great allies to the Allied cause. The Christian elements in this book felt slightly forced when Colin originally speaks to Johanna about God, but by the end, the message of faith was woven seamlessly into the story. This book is a clean and captivating romance that will appeal to lovers of World War I fiction.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
sarah_reading_party's review against another edition
4.0
What a fantastic book! Kate Breslin is a detail oriented author so one might think her characters are an afterthought, but they aren't. The setting and the characters are all so charming, captivating, and real. I care about them all! Breslin makes history come alive. Colin and Johanna's individual stories--and their work together--were fantastic! I also enjoyed the subplot of carrier pigeons. While I'm not a bird person, I am a history person so learning about their usage during WWI was interesting. I loved the twist and turns in this WWI spy novel. I haven't read tons of WWI fiction, but was utterly intrigued by this book and couldn't put it down.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for the complimentary ebook copy of this book. I was not required to share a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for the complimentary ebook copy of this book. I was not required to share a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
emmeline7's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fantastic story! WW1, suspense, adventure, carrier pigeons, spies - oh my! I loved these characters. I worried about Colin at the end of 'Not by Sight', and it was so nice to see him overcome his trauma and find happiness. While this is not a series, I am glad I read 'Not by Sight' first. I hope one day we will get to read Marcus's story, too!