Far Side of the Sea - Kate Breslin

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

In 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for MI8 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. (From Bethany House) 

My Thoughts

As I read this book, one thought kept coming to the forefront, "I don't want this story to end!" Alas, I turned the last page and closed the book yesterday. And ever since, have been trying to come up with adequate words to portray my feelings and the emotions that this story stirs. So, I'll give it my best shot...

Lt. Colin Mabry has had his fair share of tragedy, trauma, heartache, and war. While we met him briefly in Not by Sight, I was so excited to get to know Colin. A war hero that has to deal with permanent repercussions, both physically and mentally. In WWI, PTSD was better known as "Shell-Shock". And unfortunately, they didn't have the resources and understanding that we have today. My heart ached for Colin. I honestly don't know how anyone can make it through a situation like that withOUT God. His peace, His comfort, guiding and supporting me is the only way I made it through any of the traumatic events in my life.

Johanna has had quite an interesting life. Between the circumstances of her birth, not knowing she had a sister, her mother's lifestyle...Oh boy! But one of the things that I admire about Jo, is her passion. Her passion for family, life, and love. When she sets her mind to something, anything, she will MAKE it happen. She is independent and strong. But she recognizes her need for help, family, and eventually, God.

Kate Breslin has captivated me yet again with a beautiful and thrilling story of faith, family, and love in the midst of war. A tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat, Far Side of the Sea is a must read for any lover of The Great War era and espionage.  

I received a complimentary copy of Far Side of the Sea from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

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.

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More Books by Kate Breslin on Bookworm Mama

Top Ten Tuesday - Recommended Authors of WWI & WWII Novels

Today The Broke and the Bookish gave us the prompt "Ten book recommendations for __:" And so I decided to give you 10 Authors...who write INCREDIBLE WWI and WWII novels. There are WAAAAAAAAY more than what I have listed here, but I just stuck to the books that I have read recently.

I have been a fan of World War history for as long as I can remember. I grew up devouring nonfiction books related to WWII and have watched a lot of the movies...Windtalkers, Saving Private Ryan, A Bridge Too Far, The Great Escape, Flags of Our Fathers, Valkyrie, Fury, Casablanca, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, U-571, even Pearl Harbor...and I am sure there are other that I am forgetting....I can not WAIT to see Dunkirk...But will probably have to wait till it is on video...big screen may be too much for me. It is important for us to know where we have been, what the generations before us had to walk through. Let us never forget. 

I love all of these books! Click on the covers to check out my review and find purchase and Goodreads links.

Pepper Basham

Kate Breslin

Maureen Lang

Scott Westerfeld

Ok, you might argue the accuracy of these books...BUT they ARE set during WWI! Even if they are VERY steampunk. I LOVE these. And if you are looking for something a little different than your typical WWI book...Read these!

Roseanna M. White

(Giveaway link open till 8/18/17)

Kate Breslin

Tricia Goyer

Tracy Groot

This book is about Dunkirk. I HIGHLY recommend it!

Susan Meissner

Sarah Sundin

If you are wondering why there are poppies...BBC explains it HERE.

And for your viewing pleasure here is the title graphic without all the distracting words layered on top of it lol. I found all these photos on Pixabay.com. Do you recognize anyone?

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher/tour logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva unless stated otherwise. 

From Dust and Ashes: A Story of Liberation - Tricia Goyer

 My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

It is 1945, and a group of American soldiers liberate a Nazi concentration camp. Helene is the abandoned wife of an SS guard who has fled to avoid arrest. Overcome by guilt, she begins to help meet the needs of survivors. Throughout the process, she finds her own liberation--from spiritual bondage, sin, and guilt. Readers will be intrigued and touched by this fascinating story of love, faithfulness, and courage amidst one of the darkest chapters of mankind's history.

My Thoughts

Do you read WWII books? They can be challenging to read, but more often than not the faith and hope that is present overshadows the horrors. I have been asked a few times WHY I choose to read books set during one of the world's darkest time. Yet, the darker it is...the brighter the light shines.(My original review written 8/2014)

Europe is war torn and broken. But there is hope among the dust and ashes.

Tricia Goyer approaches World War II in a new light (for me at least). Beginning with the end of the war in Europe, we see the repercussions of the last 6 years of fighting.

Anchor in the Storm - Waves of Freedom Book Two - Sarah Sundin

Nothing can stand in Lillian Avery's way. But after the pain of the past, will she ever be able to open her heart to love again?

"When I decide to do something, I do it." 

Anchor in the Storm

Page 209

About the Book

When Lillian Avery accepts a job as a pharmacist in Boston, she does not know the danger she will soon be facing. Lillian has worked hard to be independent so she does not have to rely on anything or anyone. Putting her trust in her own strength.  Arch Vandenberg, a junior officer in the US Navy, a high-society man, is trying to keep from being the man he used to be, while attempting to secure his Naval career. Used to closing off her heart for self protection, will Arch be able to earn Lillian's trust? Lillian has noticed unusual prescriptions passing through the drugstore where she works. Could they be linked to the groggy, drunk-like, sailors aboard Arch's

For Such a Time - Kate Breslin

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

In a place where hope struggles to survive and lives are torn apart, Hadassah Benjamin will do whatever it takes to save her people.

"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

About the Book (In my own words)

Hadassah is hiding in plain sight as Stella Muller, secretary to SS Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at Theresienstadt. In 1944 the camp is a stopping point from which many are sent to Auschwitz. As she puts her life on the line to try and save her people she suspects that the Colonel has a tender heart despite his role as an SS officer. As their relationship grows, they will have to face their drastic differences. With this unconventional love Hadassah struggles to find the meaning behind it all. She does not understand how God could abandon His people to slaughter. But has the Lord brought them together for a bigger plan? Will Stella be able to save her people as well as the man she has grown to love?

My Thoughts

A book written about the atrocities of the Holocaust is never easy to read. It is full of emotion and the history is tragic. Kate Breslin did not soften the details of the horrors of the second World War, even though this is a romance. However, she did give us a new perspective of love during the war. I was drawn in by the intriguing story line. I had never imagined a romance like this. However, there are true stories of similar relationships taking place: Edith Hahn Beer and Helena Citronova. Although Stella and Aric's story is different, it is a wonderful book. In every page you can feel the battle raging within Stella as she falls deeper in love with Aric. There were many times that I found myself grinning from ear to ear while reading one page and crying on the next. Be prepared for a wealth of emotion to overcome you as you read this book, but it is worth it! For Such a Time is a truly remarkable story of redemption through faith. We are reminded that God's love for us never fails and His forgiveness is never out of reach. 

Purchase Options

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Christian Book

Also by Kate Breslin

Read my review here: Not by Sight

Through Waters Deep - Waves of Freedom Book 1 - Sarah Sundin

Tensions run high as a saboteur begins to wreak havoc at the Boston Naval Yard. America is on the brink of entering the second World War and there are those who will stop at nothing to make sure the nation stays out of it.

Mary Stirling is content with her job as a secretary at the Boston Naval Yard, so long as she can stay out of the spotlight. Mary is determined to remain in the shadows and keep her pride suppressed. On her journey, she learns that using the talents and gifts that God has given her, is not a sin. And it brings glory to the One who gave her those gifts. The last thing Mary expected was Ensign Jim Avery, a childhood friend now assigned to the USS Atwood. As they investigate the strange goings on at the Naval Yard, they become increasingly attached to one another. But will they ever get to tell each other how they feel? Or will they be separated forever? 

First of all, I am completely in love with the cover of this book! I admit that I am a sucker for a good cover. And I would have to rate this as one of my all time

Maggie Bright: A Novel of Dunkirk - Tracy Groot

The entire history of the world is about to change as Hitler marches his troops across Europe. Can the actions of one person make a difference?

Clare Childs has mysteriously inherited the Maggie Bright. Her suspicions that Maggie holds a secret are proven when a thief comes aboard. Clare is suddenly thrown into the middle of a Scotland Yard investigation that could finally expose one of Hitler's darkest schemes. While on the other side of the channel, Private Jamie Elliot has been tasked with the mission of returning a wounded captain home. The captain has suffered a head injury and the only words he speaks are quotes from John Milton's Paradise Lost. When Churchill calls for civilians to help rescue the stranded British Army from Dunkirk, Clare knows that Maggie must go. Piloted by William Percy, a detective inspector and Murray Vance, a world renowned cartoonist, the Maggie Bright goes to war.

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." - C.S. Lewis

Never have these words rung more true for me than when I finished reading Maggie Bright. I wish the

Secrets of a Charmed Life - Susan Meissner

As the Luftwaffe rains down terror on London, two sisters are separated and their lives changed forever.

**I have done my best to not share any spoilers. I have not shared more than you will find on the back of the cover.**

Isabel MacFarland has finally agreed to share her story and secrets that she has hidden for years. Isabel chose to pass her history to Kendra, an American student attending Oxford. Her story follows the lives of Emmy and Julia Downtree during World War II. With the war becoming more and more of a threat, the sisters are evacuated to the country along with the rest of London's children. Emmy's dreams of becoming a designer cloud her vision though. Julia, who is much younger than Emmy, needs her protection. At what cost will Emmy see her dreams become a reality?

I was extremely pleased with the incredible story Susan Meissner tells. I feel like I need a week to digest and process Secrets of a Charmed Life. I went through almost an entire bag of Starburts in one sitting when the book was getting really intense! This book was not published by a Christian publishing house, but the story is

Night Song: A Story of Sacrifice - Tricia Goyer

 Compelling and heart wrenching, Tricia Goyer tells the story of the orchestra of Mauthausen. This orchestra, composed of famous Jewish musicians, was forced to play for their lives in the concentration camp.

We see the war through many different views in Night Song. Evie, a young Viennese woman who is involved with the resistance and witnesses the liberation of Mauthausen. Nick, an American medic who is in love with Evie and will travel to the ends of the earth to find her. Otto, an SS Soldier whose thirst for power and riches overwhelms him. Finally, Jakub, a young Jewish prisoner whose magnificent talent brings hope and joy to those he is around.

The story begins in December 1941, Evie and her family must return to Vienna due to the German occupation. The following 3 1/2 years are a combination of sorrow, pain and loss for all of our characters. But where Nick, Evie, and eventually Jakub, find their strength in the Lord, Otto finds his through the "Ancients", the mystical power supposedly behind Hitler's reign. Otto is never satisfied, he always wants more. Our other characters have to sacrifice so