By Kate Breslin
Lieutenant Colin Mabry can no longer serve on the battlefield following the loss of his hand. And the nightmares stalk his nights. But he is determined to wok past the pain and the guilt. His posting Hastings allows him the decode messages that are important to the Allies war efforts and feel as if he can be of some use still in the war effort. But when Colin decodes a message that is asking for a meeting he knows that he must answer this summons. Now he just needs permission to return to France and respond to this plea for help - a plea from a woman he thought dead.
Johanna Reyer is in France - hiding from her past and searching for her family, including a sister she knew nothing about. A sister whom she believes to be in danger. And if she hopes to find Jewel she needs Colin's assistance in identifying her. And if she can find Jewel she hopes that she will find her father, a man she hasn't seen since she was 3 years old, a man whose parting words were that he wanted nothing more than to be her papa. Can she hope to find what she has lost in a country torn apart by war and occupation?
When Colin meets Johanna he is less than pleased with her subterfuge in obtaining his assistance but to honor the promise he made to Jewel he agrees to aid her. But nothing is what it seems with anyone and every one a potential spy. With a single photograph and a name as their only clues, Colin and Johanna must watch their every word and action so as to not arouse suspicions.
Far Side of the Sea is an excellent read and those who enjoy WWI historical fiction will enjoy this newest book from Kate Breslin. I like that several of the characters had previously been in her books so one has a familiarity with them. But if this is your first meeting with the author this book can very much be read on its own and nothing will be lacking in your understanding or enjoyment while reading. I like Johanna and her most unique personality and how she grew throughout in matters of faith. I also like how both Johanna and Colin fight to do what they feel is what they are meant to do even if it was opposed by those who had authority over them.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
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.
