I’m thrilled to have friend and fellow author Kate Breslin as my guest today. I was introduced to Kate via her novel, Not by Sight, which remains one of my favorite historical romance novels. I also had the priviledge of meeting her at the 2016 ACFW Conference in Nashville.
Her fourth novel, Far Side of the Sea, has just released, and she has graciously offered to GIVE AWAY a PRINT Copy! So be sure to stick around to enter! Welcome, Kate!
Cynthia, I really appreciate being a guest on your blog today, thank you!
It’s great to have you, Kate. You’ve chosen to focus your novels during World War I and II. What intrigues you about this time period/setting?
Good question! I was never a war-history buff, but fell into the time period/setting years ago when I wrote my debut novel, For Such A Time. Then while looking for the next story idea and being a huge fan of Masterpiece Theater’s Downton Abbey series, I watched a poignant scene from the first world war and was inspired to write my second novel, Not By Sight. After that I found the early 1900s and WWI so fascinating that I couldn’t leave it alone. I find I am also much inspired reading about the way people cope with the adversities of war; ordinary people who rise up in a crisis to do the extraordinary. This era has stayed with me into my third and fourth novels and I have plans for more.
I agree. Individuals of that era are so inspiring. Tell us one of the first books or authors to inspire you and why.
Actually, years ago I read two novels by author Linda Nichols, who wrote for Bethany House at the time. I loved Linda’s stories and characters, and her faith message came through naturally, without feeling preachy or added in. I was finally won over to writing inspirational fiction however, after a weekend of binge reading Francine River’s Mark of the Lion trilogy. That series still has a place of honor on my bookshelf!
I’ve heard great things about Francine River’s writing. Her books are on my TBR list. What would you consider your favorite part of the writing process?
Well, I have more than one. I love doing the research and losing myself in history as I plot a new story; and being in the zone writing scenes, while that little camera is rolling in my head. God moments, when He gives me a great story idea or helps me to unknot my plot when I’m stuck and to keep going.
Yes! All wonderful parts of writing. How have you sensed the Lord’s hand on your writing journey?
In so many ways, Cynthia! I was writing for the general romance market years ago and got close to publishing a few times, but never actually sold a manuscript. When I finally listened to the Holy Spirit and began writing inspirational fiction, my faith grew exponentially and all doors began to open. God continues to partner with me in each of my novels and I feel so blessed that He led me on the path that was just right for me.
Ah! There’s nothing like being in the Lord’s will. His timing and ways are perfect. Do you have a favorite character in your novel(s)? If so, why?
Oh, that is not an easy choice. I think I love all of my characters, especially while I’m writing a particular story. I will say that I hold a special affection for Lieutenant Colin Mabry in my upcoming March release, Far Side of the Sea. This might sound strange coming from the author, but there is a genuineness about his character that immediately drew me to him as I wrote the story. To me, he is a hero in every respect. I hope my readers will love him just as much!
He sounds like my kind of hero!! What can we expect to see from you in the future?
Thanks for asking, Cynthia! Right now, I’d like to write two more WWI-era stories: the first, featuring Alex Baird, Scots pilot friend to Simon Forrester from High As The Heavens and after that, I hope to take Captain Marcus Weatherford on his own romantic adventure in my sixth novel. It’s early yet, but we’ll see what happens!
Sounds wonderful, Kate! Thanks for sharing!
Cynthia, thank you so much for allowing me to share time with your readers. I wish you all Easter blessings and a happy spring!
Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. When she’s not writing inspirational fiction, Kate enjoys reading or taking long walks in Washington’s beautiful woodlands. She also likes traveling to new places, both within the U.S. and abroad, having toured Greece, Rome, and much of Western Europe. New destinations make for fresh story ideas. Connect with Kate on:
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Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
Now for the GIVEAWAY of a PRINT COPY of Kate’s new release: FAR SIDE OF THE SEA! (US Addresses only)
In spring of 1918, Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a British soldier working with MI8 after suffering injuries at the front, receives an unexpected message–an urgent summons from Jewel Reyer, the woman he once loved and believed to be dead.
Colin is stunned when he arrives in Paris to discover the message came not from Jewel, but from a stranger who claims to be her half sister, Johanna. With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust begins to grow between them. When their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot, however, that trust is at stake, as danger and deception turn their search for answers into a battle for their lives.
Enter the Rafflecopter Contest below:
I enjoyed The Three Musketeers and In The Company of Soldiers: a Chronicle of Combat.
Hi Sonnetta! Those sound like good choices! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Sonnetta! I loved the Three Musketeers! Tales of action and adventure are always on my list of favorite reads! I hope you’ll have the chance to read Far Side of the Sea!
I enjoyed reading Not By Sight.
Hi Beth. Wasn’t it good? Loved it. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Beth! Thank you so much for your kind words! And so my hope is that you’ll enjoy Colin Mabry’s story in Far Side of the Sea just as much. Blessings!
I love historical fiction, but not many war movies come to mind right off that I have watched. I think The Patriot is the first that comes to mind.
Hi Patty! I’m not much on war movies either, but do enjoy novels set in wartime. Thanks for entering!
Hi Patty, thank you for your post! Patriot was a wonderful movie, and I have the DVD. I hope you’ll sample a few of my novels, and good luck on the contest!
I don’t think I’ve read any books by Kate Breslin. If Cynthia recommends it, I think I’ll like it.
You’re a sweetheart, Bonnie! Thanks for your vote of confidence. LOL! The best to you in the giveaway!
My favorite war-time novel is The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara set during the Civil War. Kate’s book sounds amazing!
Nice to see you here, Candace! I’ve not heard of that one, but it sounds intriguing! Thanks!
Hi Candace! Ohh, Michael Shaara wrote some wonderful stories! And my husband is from Virginia and interested in all things about the Civil War. I hope you’ll get the chance to read Far Side of the Sea, and right now the prequel, Not By Sight (e-book) is on sale for $1.99. Happy reading!
Hmmm … this feels “funny” .. I came to try to win a copy of Kate Breslin’s new book … lol! Am I in the right place? lol!
Yes you are! Thanks for stopping by, Mary. The best to you in the giveaway!
Hi Mary and welcome! Thank you for posting and good luck on the contest!
I’ve enjoyed all of Kate’s books, but “For Such A Time” remains a strong favorite. Another author(s) who I’ve enjoyed are Brock and Bodie Thoene, covering WWII and the birth of Israel in a series of books called The Zion Chronicles and The Zion Covenant. I love learning history through fiction, and being inspired by those who overcame so much.
Oh I love Brock and Bodie Thoene. I have For Such a Time on my TBR List. Looking forward to reading it. I loved Kate’s second book Not by Sight! Thanks for dropping by, Jeri!
Hi Jeri! Thanks for your kind words and for visiting us here on Cynthia’s blog. I’ve heard wonderful things about the Thoene’s novels, and they’re going on my list as well!
I love your books! I’m curious to read this one as well! I also love the fact that they are situated nearby 😁 ( I’m from Belgium)
Welcome, Evy! So great to have you visit from so far away!! How wonderful for you to have Kate’s book set so close to home! Blessings!
Evy, hi! Thanks for joining us! Yes, Far Side of the Sea is a travel adventure through Europe, so I’m sure you’ll recognize the places from my story. I hope you enjoy!
So excited for this book! I’m already on the wait list to read it at my local library.
Hi Victoria! It looks wonderful, doesn’t it? I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for your comments!
Hi Victoria! Thank you, and I hope you’ll enjoy Far Side of the Sea! Good luck on the contest!
My favorite wartime novel is “Gone With The Wind”. I really like reading about the Civil War era.
Oh, me too, Dianne! Love the Civil War era. That’s a good one! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Dianne, thank your for your post. Gone with the Wind was indeed a fascinating look at the Civil War! I don’t read too much of that era, but I have several movies (my husband enjoys Civil War history) like the miniseries “North and South,” which is fabulous. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
Thank you for the wonderful stories! I love The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
Thanks for stopping by to enter, Alessandra. Love your name BTW!
Alessandra, thank you! And yes, the Book Thief got rave reviews! I’m so glad you stopped by and good luck with the contest!
For Such A Time is a strong favorite another WWII awesome book is Auschwitz Lullaby: A Novel by Mario Escobar. This is an amazing book! One of my favorite I read last year. I am really looking forward to reading Far Side of the Sea.
Hmm. I’ll have to look into that one, Deanne. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Deanne! Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed For Such A Time, and I’ll have to add Auschwitz Lullaby to my list to read! I hope you’ll like Far Side of the Sea as well. Blessings!
I love wartime books. I really enjoyed Linda Chaikin’s series. Started with Monday’s Child and went through to Friday’s Child. They are WWII books.
I agree, Faith. There’s something enticing about wartime settings in novels. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Faith! I’m not familiar with the Linda Chaikin series, but I’ll definitely look into them. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
I have not read any of your books yet but I really enjoy historical fiction! This one looks great.
Great to meet you, Autumn. Thanks for stopping by my blog and meeting Kate!
Hi Autumn, thank you for your post! The e-book for my first WWI novel, Not By Sight, is on sale until tomorrow (2/28/19) for $1.99 and is the prequel to my new novel. I hope you’ll get the chance to read some of my stories and good luck with the contest!
As always, looking forward to your next story, Kate!!
So great to have you here, J’nell! I’m looking forward to reading your novels as well! Blessings!
Oh, J’nell, thank you! I’m so glad you stopped by and I’m very excited about your new novel as well. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
Gone With The Wind has always been my favorite!
A wonderful Civil War story. Thanks, Brenda!
Hi Brenda! You’re so right! Scarlett and Rhett are unforgettable characters! Thank you for posting, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
My favorite wartime novel is The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron.
Hi Caryl! Yes, my friend Kristy’s a wonderful writer!! I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
Oooh! I’ve heard of this novel, Caryl, but haven’t yet read it. Love the title! Thanks for sharing.
I love reading about the Civil War era but also really enjoy the World War time periods too. So hard to choose a favorite novel but really enjoyed The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See. So many I can’t name them all! 🙂
Same here, Cheryl! These books sound wonderful. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Cheryl! I haven’t yet read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, but I love her writing and it’s definitely on my “to-read” list. I did listen to the audio book of Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See and it was so wonderfully poignant! Thank you for your post and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
Oh too many good ones to pick just one! So I will just say Kristy Cambron, Kate Breslin, and Sarah Sundin have all written great ones!
Oh, Laura thank you!! And I’m so honored to be included among such esteemed authors as my friends Kristy and Sarah. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea, and good luck on the contest!
Wonderful authors! Thanks, Laura! So glad you stopped by.
Helen Keller or The Imitation Game. This looks like a great book, can’t wait to read this.
Love the story of Helen Keller. Thanks for sharing, Lari!
Hi Lari! Thanks for your post. I remember reading the Helen Keller story many years ago and I was mesmerized! I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea, too. Good luck with the contest!
I think that I do not like war stories, but I must admit that most war stories I have read were good. It seems masochistic to say I enjoyed them.
For Such a Time was probably my favorite – at least one of my favorites. I also liked The Girl with No Name by Diney Costeloe and Married to the War by Joycelyn Green about the Civil War was also good.
LOL! I know what you mean, Bonnie! Wartime makes for a fascinating backdrop for stories though. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!
Bonnie, thank you for your kinds words! I’m glad For Such A Time was a favorite story for you, and you’re right, it feels strange to say “enjoy” when the subject matter is often graphic in showing the ugliness of war. I do love reading about those brave men and women though, who beat the odds and come through the chaos with courage, strength, and faith. It’s so inspiring! I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
I love historical fiction! I think my favorite (at least my most recent favorite) wartime novel is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I can’t wait to put some of Kate Breslin’s books on my TBR list.
Great to see you here, Lensey! You can’t beat Inspirational historical novels. You’ll enjoy Kate’s books. She’s a gifted writer! Blessings!
Lensey, hi! Yes, Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale has done incredibly well and I look forward to reading her novel. I appreciate your post and good luck with the contest! I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea along with my other stories!
Favorite War-Time novels are ones based on the Holocaust like The Auschwitz Tattooist and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Hmm. I’ll have to check those out. Thanks for stopping by to enter and also following my blog, Linda! Blessings!
Yes The Boy in The Striped Pajamas 😢😪😭
Hi Linda! Both of those novels sound intriguing. My 2014 novel, For Such A Time, is a retelling of the Biblical Esther story set during the Holocaust in a transit camp in Czechoslovakia, so you may that like reading that one as well. Good luck on the contest, and I hope you’ll enjoy Far Side of the Sea!
Yes I Probably would Thanks for Sharing your books with us
Hi Kate & Cynthia, I just read With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander and it was set during The Civil War. Thanks for the chance to win Far Side if the Sea.
Hi Connie! Oh, I so want to read With This Pledge! It sounds great! Thanks for stopping by to share!
Hi Connie! I have heard great things about Tammy’s novel and it’s definitely on my “to read” list! Thanks for your post and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
The last war-time book I read was What Child Is This by Rhys Bowen. It’s a short novel, but it really highlighted what it was like to live in London during the bombings.
Hi Carmen! I’ve not heard of that novel. Sounds intriguing. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Carmen! I’m familiar with the author Rhys Bowen, but I haven’t read that title and it sounds like something I’d like! Thank you for sharing, and good luck with the contest. I hope you’ll enjoy reading my stories, too!
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom is my favorite book about war. Great Story!
I love The Hiding Place and Corrie ten Boom! Such an inspiring story. Thanks, Vivian! The best to you in the contest!
Vivian, hi! Yes, hands down, The Hiding Place is one of my favorites and it’s on my bookshelf. I also read her second book, Tramp for the Lord. Corrie ten Boom was an incredible woman of faith and forgiveness! Thank you for your post and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
I’ve read Not by Sight twice and was recently thinking I needed to re-read it. Far Side of the Sea sounds like it will be a great story, too. I find it fascinating to read about the bravery of the soldiers in wartime.
Me too, Cindy! Such bravery is inspiring! Thanks for stopping by to enter!
Cindy, thank you so much, I’m thrilled! And since you’re so familiar with Not By Sight, you’ll continue right into the Mabry family saga with Far Side of the Sea. I hope you enjoy the story and good luck with the contest!
I’m looking forward to reading it, Kate!
My favorite wartime novel …that’s hard. Auschwitz Lullaby or When The Heart Sings.
Hi Lucy! Love those titles. Thanks for sharing! God bless!
Hi Lucy! I’ve heard good things about The Auschwitz Lullaby, so I’ll have to add it to my “to-read” list. Thank you for your post and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
Challenging question…..I have loved all of Kate’s books, but to focus more broadly I have to mention Gone With The Wind and The Winds Of War.
Hi Cathy! Yes. Kate’s novels are wonderful! Oh, and the others you mentioned are good as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Cathy, thank you! And I agree, Winds of War and Gone with the Wind are both wonderful. I love those big epic war-time stories! Thank you for your post and good luck with the contest!
I love historical fiction and especially wartime novels. I seem to be drawn to them. Some of my favorites are When The Heart Sings, by Liz Tolsma, The Alice Network by Kate Quinn, and Beneath A Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan.
I’m a historical fiction fan myself (both a writer and reader). =) All your choices sound wonderful. Thanks!
Debra, those all sound good to me. War-time stories are a favorite of mine as well (obviously, since I write them, too!) Thanks for your post, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
I love it when we get to hang out with past characters <3
Very much looking forward to this book and to future possible books!
Me too, Mia! Thanks for stopping by and entering!
Hi Mia! Yes, you’ll recognize some familiar faces from Not By Sight in Far Side of the Sea. I hope you enjoy Colin’s story and good luck with the contest!
I love WWII novels and don’t like picking just one. One of the first war novels I ever read was Liz Tolsma’s Snow on the Tulips. It has stuck with me all these years. This book opened the doors to my reading so many others – The Butterfly and the Violin, Saving Amelie and The Girl from the Train, just to name a few.
What a wonderful tribute to an author. Thanks for sharing, Arletta! You’ve listed some wonderful novels.
Hi Arletta! Those are great titles and I’m so glad author Liz Tolsma’s story encouraged you to read more novels set in WWII! I was drawn to write about WWII in my debut novel, For Such A Time, and one day I hope to revisit that era. In the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea. Thank you for posting!
Loved this interview! I just picked up Not by Sight, so eager to read it!
Ooo, it’s hard for me to pick a favorite wartime story, so I’ll just say the most recent one I read, which was Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson! It was excellent.
Wonderful, Beth! You’ll enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!
Thank you, Beth! I hope you enjoy reading Not By Sight. Right now I’m listening to the audio book of Melanie Dobson’s novel, Catching the Wind, and it’s wonderful! Thanks for posting and good luck with the contest!
Oh, hard choice! There are so many good ones out. Let me just mention a recent favorite, The Plum Blooms in Winter by Linda Thompson.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Thanks, Phyllis! That sounds interesting. Glad you stopped by to comment and enter.
Hi Phyllis! I just perused that title on Amazon and it looks so good! It’s definitely going on my list. Thank you for sharing, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
I love books on WWII. One of my favorites is Melanie Dobson’s Catching the Wind.
I recently read her novel, Counted with the Stars and really enjoyed it. Catching the Wind is definitely on my TBR list! Thanks, Heather!
Hi Heather! I’m listening to Catching the Wind on audio book right now and loving it. Thanks for posting and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
One of my favorite war time novels would be A Name Unknown by Roseann’s M. White.
I’ve heard great things about that novel, Amanda! Thanks for stopping by!
Amanda, hi! My friend Roseanna M. White is an amazing author and I love that we both write WWI-era historical fiction. Thank you for posting and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
So far my favorite war time novel is Among the Poppies
Thanks, Kristina. I’ve heard good things about that novel. Thanks for stopping in.
Hi Kristina! Among the Poppies is on my list to read, and it’s been receiving great reviews. Thank you for posting and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
There are so many good wartime books, it’s hard to pick a favorite (or even remember all of them). One that I recently read is “The War that Saved My Life” (more of a children’s/YA book) by Kimberly Bradley, and I loved it! I also really enjoyed “Code Name Verity” by Elizabeth Wein. Neither are Christian (or even inspirational), but they both have female leads that drew me into their stories.
You’re right, Mallori! There are lots of great wartime novels. Thanks for sharing a few of your favorites with us. Blessings!
Mallori, thank you for sharing, both of these novels sound interesting! I love writing WWI/WWII stories and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
Cynthia, thank you for introducing a new author to me! Nice to meet you Kate!
War time novel – Nightingale
Natalya, hi! It’s great to meet you, too. I hope you’ll enjoy reading my stories and I wish you the best with the contest!
I’ m delighted to, Natalya! Thanks for stopping by! God bless!
This sounds like a great read I love historical fiction my favorite war time book is
Where Treetops Glisten by
Cara Putman
Tricia Goyer
Sarah Sundin
Thanks for the chance.
Tighefan42atgmail dotcom
I like the books by Corrie Tin Boone, such as “Tramp for the Lord” and “The Hiding Place” which took place in WWII and after.
Hi Janice! Someone else posted about The Hiding Place and I mentioned her second book, Tramp for the Lord, as I’d read that one as well. Corrie ten Boom was an amazing woman of faith and forgiveness, wasn’t she? Thank you for sharing and I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
Love The Hiding Place! So inspiring! I’ve not yet read Tramp for the Lord. Thanks for sharing, Janice!
Correction: Corrie Ten Boom
Been looking forward to this one!
Me too, Patrice! The best to you in the giveaway!
I’d have to say my favorite wartime novel is Sarah Sundin’s The Sea Before Us.
I’m eager to read that one as well!
Hi Patrice! I recently read Sarah Sundin’s novel, The Sea Before Us and it was wonderful! Thanks for posting. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
Lately I’ve been reading lots of stories related to WWI and WWII. Guess I’m in the right frame of mind for another, and this one sounds really good.
Yes it does, Linda. Glad you stopped by to enter. Blessings!
Thank you, Linda! I hope you’ll enjoy the story. And good luck with the contest!
I like The Hiding Place. I also like Sarah Sudins books about WW11. Thank you forvthe chance to win.
Great choices, Rose. Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
Hi Rose, those are great choices! I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
My absolute favorite wartime novel is Of Windmills and War by Diane Moody. It’s sequel, Beyond the Shadow of War, is just as excellent. I’m so looking forward to Far Side of the Sea – there aren’t enough WWI Christian fiction novels!
Both of those books sound wonderful, Bethany. I’ll have to check them out. Thanks!
Bethany, thank you! And I’m not familiar with the titles you mentioned, but I’m going to look for them. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Far Side of the Sea!
Gone with the wind
Though I’ve not read the novel, I’ve seen the movie and loved it. Thanks, Rita!
Rita, that’s a classic for sure! Thanks for posting and good luck with the contest!
The Butterfly and the Violin is one of my favorite wartime stories. So beautifully written.
I really have to check that novel out. I love the title!! Thanks Shamekka!