Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Not By Sight

GIVEAWAY

BRESLIN, KATE
NOT BY SIGHT

Gripping Sophomore Novel from a Rising Historical Romance Talent

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country's cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she'll set off when she hands a feather to Jack.

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them--or the faith they'll need to maintain hope.
  

My Review:

This one has been hovering on the top of my TBR pile for a couple of weeks. As anxious as I was to read it since I loved Breslin's debut novel, I was apprehensive too. Why? I dreaded reading that white feather scene. Anyone remember Walter Blythe in Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery? He's Anne and Gilbert's son -- a gentle soul with a poet's heart. He gets a white feather when he doesn't enlist in the army as soon as war breaks out. My eleven-year-old heart took a beating over that scene and I still remember it to this day. So, yes, you might say that a former traumatic reading experience hindered my ability to pick up this book. (Now my book nerdiness is well and truly confirmed!)

I'm glad I overcame my trepidation though because Not By Sight is a soul-stirring read I wouldn't want to miss. It's definite Downton Abbey ambiance holds huge appeal while the gripping plot kept me spellbound. There are so many twists and turns and downright surprises! And the history revealed -- aspects of the British home front in World War I that I wasn't even aware of made this read all the richer.

I grew to love Grace (after the white feather incident!) She's passionate about every cause she embraces, from the suffragette movement to supporting the war effort. And though she is from a privileged class, she isn't afraid to get her hands dirty in order to help either cause. Her naivety at the beginning of the novel gradually falls away as she begins to grasp the fact that not everything can be measured in black and white.

Her hero, Jack, is as brooding as Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre. I loved their encounters. Witty dialogue highlights Grace's gumption and humour. Jack is intrigued in spite of himself. But a different kind of intrigue is afoot as well. This is a spy story after all, and Breslin sets her characters (and readers) on a merry chase.

Absolutely loved the scripture tie-in for the book -- both in story and title. For we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) It is intricately woven throughout the plot and affects a multitude of characters in various ways. Breathtaking and uplifting stuff.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Not By Sight please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 30 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

53 comments:

  1. I keep seeing this book everywhere and am also interested in the premise. Have not read this author yet.

    dianemestrella at gmail dot cm

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  2. I didn't know about the "white feather" until recently so when I heard about it in the reviews on this book, I knew that I had to add it to my TBR list. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. Such an interesting (and complex) way to start off a novel. Good luck, Loraine.

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  3. I have not read Kate's first novel, but have heard good things about both of them!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. She's an incredible author. Good luck, Patty.

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  4. Not many author write about the first World War. kamundsen44(at)yahoo(dot)com.

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    1. It's an interesting time period -- and the historical aspects the author brought to this novel were new to me. Fascinating stuff. Good luck, Kim.

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  5. This sounds like a WWI version of Scarlet Pimpernel! I've heard so many good things about this book and can't wait to read it, as well as Breslin's first novel.
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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    1. I've never read the Scarlet Pimpernel, Nicole but I've heard others make that comparison. Good luck.

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  6. Kate will be a new author for me but this looks good. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of her book.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  7. OH OH OH !!! I've been REALLY Wanting to read this one! I read her first book and found it really well written and highly entertaining! This one's book description sounds really good!!!!!!!

    Blessings, Amada
    amada_chavez@yahoo.com

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  8. I loved her first book! can't wait to get ahold of this one too!

    Lea
    ladepooh at hotmail dot com

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  9. I've read a couple of good books lately about World War II and would enjoy a World War 1 also.

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    1. Lots of fodder for drama and angst when it's a war story. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  10. I love a good spy story but it's been awhile since I've read one. Since I regard Kate's first book, For Such a Time, as one of the best books I've read, I know she can write an excellent story. I'm really looking forward to Not By Sight. Thanks for the great review and for the giveaway.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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  11. I would like Not by Sight to join my copy of For Such a Time ~ and I too like the scripture tie-in for both books. Thank you for your review ~ timely. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. The scripture tie-in is superb on so many levels. Good luck, Kathleen.

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  12. Love scripture tie-ins in a book, that is why I read Christian fiction!! And would love to learn the history and meaning of the white feather...this one's on my want-to-read list along with a slew of others out there!! I love the never ending supply of new Christian fiction coming out. And historicals are my favorite ;-) Lovely review as always, Kav...you drew me right in with your descriptions!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Thanks, Trixi. You know, I think all the history that 'stuck' has been learned from historical fiction. LOL Teaching through story is what works best for me. Good luck!

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  13. I have this book on my TBR wish list. Thank you for the chance to try and win it. bookaunt at outlook dot com

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  14. Love the looks of the cover, would love to read this.

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    1. It's stunning, isn't it? Especially the colour of the dress. Good luck, Karen.

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  15. I am excited about a chance to read this book!!
    amylsmith AT bledsoe DOT net

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    1. You should be, Amy, it's an exciting book! Good luck!

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  16. I loved her debut novel and this one has been getting such great reviews. I've only read Anne of Green Gables so I never knew about the white feather thing until I saw it in Downton Abbey.Thanks for the giveaway!
    garfsgirl AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. Oh -- Rilla of Ingleside is one of my favourite Anne books. Good luck, Lis.

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  17. Oh I just KNEW this one would be a treat! I love the scripture tie in too! Definitely high on the list. Please include me in a chance! With a Downton Abbey feel, I might even have to share-read it with my husband. :) Can't believe I got him into Downton. :)

    KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Wow -- that's great! You could have storytime together. LOL Good luck, Kelly.

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    2. He gives into my reading whims rather easily lately. ;)

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  18. Please count me in on this one! Sounds wonderful!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  19. would love to read this novel, kav....thanks for the chance :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  20. I love a good spy story & stories about WWII, and you say that it has the ambiance of Downton Abbey & the hero is like Mr Rochester from Jane Eyre?!....How could you go wrong with this book! Can't wait to read it! Thanks for another great review!

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  21. Oh, this sounding captivating! I've been waiting to read Not By Sight. :)
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  22. I have been hearing good things about this book. I'm excited to read it myself!
    Thanks for the giveaway! :)

    sleepy_bookworm_aery [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  23. Sounds intriguing. Count me in, Kav!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  24. I have never heard of the "white feather" thing. Sounds interesting. Kate Breslin is a new to me author, but I look forward to reading her books.
    reneerachoyolsenATgmailDOTcom

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    1. You'll learn lots of interesting WWI facts reading this book, Heather. Good luck.

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  25. This sounds like it would be an engaging read, and the cover is beautiful. donvelma (at)gmail(com)

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  26. Ah, I LOVE Kate Breslin!
    Count me in, please.

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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