Far Side of the Sea

Author: Kate Breslin
Genre: Historical Romance/Mystery

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.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin had all the elements one loves to see in a book - danger, romance, mystery and a little humour here and there. I didn't find out until the end of the book that the main character, Colin Mabry, had been the subject of a previous book and now his story was being told. Suffice it to say this read quite well as a stand-alone book.

At first, I was wondering why this was marketed as a Christian book because I was quite into the story before there was any mention of God or indication that the characters were believers. But, as in life, not everyone talks about their faith unless an opportune moment arrives. Such was the case with Colin as he tried to introduce Johanna to praying to and trusting in God. Her life experiences held her back from trusting anyone much less God, so it was a moving scene when she finally began to take a step in faith.

The growing romance between the two characters was sweet even though they each took their time in trusting each other. 

Speaking of trust, there were so many wily characters in this book the end took me by surprise. I expected something but was very surprised at the final reveal. An indication of great writing! 

If you like WWII books, romance and intrigue you will love this book!

Book was provided by Bethany House through Net Galley.

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