Not By Sight

Kate Breslin's newest historical novel is definitely a winner! Not By Sight gives the reader a fresh understanding of the severity of World War I on the British homefront. The severity that brings to light the devastation and losses of war--loss of limb, livelihood and often life. Breslin softens this ugliness of war with a budding romance, fraught with conflict and a little comedy, and with beautiful descriptions of the English countryside. Readers learn of the work of the Women's Forage Corps, espionage, costume balls for the Red Cross Society, tea rooms, and the inevitable bombings of cities. Grace, a naive suffragette, opens Pandora's box of heartache when she unwittingly hands a white feather of cowardice to Jack, a well-known objector to the war. Readers will be captivated at the climactic twists and turns of the far-reaching effects of that initial episode in Not By Sight. Through her various and colorful, yet realistic characters, Breslin weaves a story of friendships, faith, and forgiveness. A story where lives are restored and hearts are mended. A story of courage and sometimes, foolhardiness. A story of learning to live by faith. I received a complimentary copy of Not By Sight in exchange for an unbiased review.

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.