I want to open with the same verse Kate Breslin did in her latest novel, "Not by Sight". 

'For we live by faith, not by sight.' - 2 Corinthians 5:7

A very simple verse, but who can believe and follow as simply as it says?  We are all like Grace Mabry and Jack Benningham, the main characters of Ms. Breslin's "Not by Sight".  Will they be able to trust God and each other, when the ugliness of war is so close by? Even though this book is set in the times of WWI, we are not in the war zone, but back in Great Britian, the home front of Grace and Jack as they tackle their own preconceived notions, and with a real spy amidst them. 




When all what seems to be true confront them head on, will they learn what real courage is? Will they know what it means to live by faith and not by sight?  This is one that is not only for Jack, as his relationship with our Lord Almighty may not be on the best of terms.  Will Grace, a faithful servant of the Lord be able to follow the words of 2 Corinthian 5:7 as she had initially thought?

Jack is not a typical hero. Yes, he's tall and the dashing heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, but is that all it takes to be a hero?  He reminds me of the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast". He may seem gruff on the outside, but it's his inside - his heart, that brings out his heroism.  And only a "beast" as fine as Jack can be a match for our young, pure and good Grace.  She is so good that her naivete helps to heal the broken - and sometimes bring about danger if taken advantage of.  I love them both. Jack is who you hope to have by your side, thick and thin and to bring out the best in you.  Grace is who you hope to be, at least some part of you - to be good to others and have faith.  And to top it all, I can't help but have a little crush on the true charming man in the book, Marcus.  The characters of this book, along with a intriguing plot will keep you going. You will not put this book down until the last page - and then, you will wish there was more.

I have not read Ms. Breslin's much acclaimed first novel, "For Such a Time", and I have not heard of Ms. Breslin prior to "Not by Sight".  After reading this book, I couldn't stop until I searched further about Ms. Breslin and what other books she'd written.  It has mystique (even though I had some speculation of who the spy is early on), romance (more than one), and adventure (this is set during a time of war).  Ms. Breslin's use of words are commendable in every aspect.  Through words, we can easily visualize everything - from the characters and their uniqueness to the scenery set before us.  Then there's the additional education we received through the thorough research she's provided in this book.  Thank you for such a wonderful read.  Go, get your copy now, and let it charm and then captivate your minds.

NOTE:  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House for an honest review.