Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin | Book Review

If you read my reviews, you might know that I usually don’t read the back cover before I choose books. I had heard great things from friends about this book, and it’s inspirational historical fiction (what I write and love to read), so I went for it.

As I was preparing to write my review, I realized one of my favorite historical fiction authors endorsed Far Side of the Sea. Goodness, I should pay more attention to those endorsements!

“A complex and riveting tale that you won’t be able to set aside. Bravo!”–Roseanna M. White, bestselling author of the Ladies of the Manor and Shadows Over England series

I’m going to try to not give spoilers in this review, especially for those of you who like a good mystery. Apparently, I do, too. If that’s you, know I give this book a 4 star. You can go buy it here. For those who like to know a bit more before you dive into a good book, read on!

Back Cover

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 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.

My Review

Far Side of the Sea takes place toward the end of World War I. I loved that the hero of the story, Colin Mabry, is a maimed soldier suffering from PTSD. He was courageous as he had to face his fears, having to walk into situations that heavily reminded him of the trauma that had cost him his arm. For both love and duty.

Colin is on a quest to make good on a promise to the woman he loves, Jewel. A woman he had to leave behind as he headed back into war.

Johanna is in search of her half-sister, Jewel, and their father. Her father she met once, and her sister never before. She works with carrier pigeons for the war. I did not know that carrier pigeons were used for communication this way. This is one reason I love reading the author’s notes at the back of the book (once I’ve finished the story). To know how the author researched, what was fact vs fiction. I also enjoy following Kate Breslin on facebook, as she shares neat things about her research.

Bombings, spies, kidnapping, drugged drinks, this story is not lacking for adventure. I was kept guessing, some of the characters I had figured out, other’s had me in shock.

The book was well written, I have to say, Kate Breslin, I love your way with words! Beautifully done.

I don’t want to give spoilers and ruin the mystery for you… I highly recommend this novel if you love adventure, mystery, romance, and history. I also loved how Colin clung to his faith. Even after everything he had faced, he did not waver.

I look forward to reading more from Kate Breslin. Now, enough from me. Go get your copy! It’s on sale at the moment on amazon.com and amazon.ca!

About the Author

A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is a Carol Award winner and a RITA and Christy Award finalist and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

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