Meet an Earl & a suffragette in
Kate Breslin’s
historical romance
Not by Sight
Bethany House
*******
The Story
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.
Introducing Jack & Grace
Brief physical description
Jack Benningham – Tall, broad shouldered, blonde, midnight blue eyes and an engaging smile, exposing the tiniest cleft in his jaw.
Grace Mabry – Tall, willowy, curves in all the right places, fiery red hair curls and large emerald eyes. A rosebud mouth Jack thinks most kissable.
Resembles…
Jack – Actor Chris Hemsworth
Grace – Actress Emma Stone
Strengths and weaknesses
Jack – Good at keeping secrets, bad at dealing with life’s misfortunes
Grace – Good at leadership and helping others, but has a tendency to let idle gossip form her opinions instead of getting the facts
Quirk (if any)
Jack – Likes to wear an incredibly hideous mask to hide his scars
Grace – doesn’
t like ‘milording’ anyone, especially Jack.
Your inspiration for the character
Jack – Erik from Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera
Grace – Downton Abbey’s Lady Sybil Crawley (though with just a bit more temper)
Background to the story
I was always intrigued by the white feather of cowardice handed out during WWI. I knew the last person that a feather-toting feminist would want to fall in love with would be a dashing aristocrat with pacifist views. He might also laugh at her instead of cringing when she gave him the feather. And so the storyline for Not By Sight was off and running!
Thanks Kate!
Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Not by Sight and For Such a Time
Character spotlight on Aric & Stella
Visit Kate’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: Not by Sight or Koorong
August 24, 2015 at 4:02 pm
WWI or WWII? No preference for me!
August 25, 2015 at 2:15 am
Hi Bree, a true history lover then! Thanks for your post. Hope you get a chance to read both of my stories!:)
August 24, 2015 at 9:09 pm
I prefer WWII stories. They are the time period I am most familiar with reading about.
August 25, 2015 at 2:19 am
Hi Deanne! For Such A Time just might be the novel for you then, as it takes place during WWII. I hope you’ll get a chance to read it. Thanks for your post!
August 24, 2015 at 9:54 pm
I don’t have a preference between WW1 and WW2 stories, but I haven’t read many set in WW1. I didn’t know the white feather part of this story. I remember seeing that in an episode of Downton Abbey. This sounds like an interesting story. Thanks for the character glimpse and giveaway!
August 25, 2015 at 2:29 am
Hi Lorraine, thank you for stopping by! Yes, the white feather of cowardice traces back to the British Army as early as the 18th century. It was thought to have originated with the old sport of cockfighting. The cockatiel with a white plume feather was considered to be inferior, hence weak or unable to fight. According to Wikipedia. 😉 I hope’ll you enjoy reading Not By Sight!
August 25, 2015 at 12:42 am
I prefer WWII and I think it is because it involved my parent’s generation.
Thank you for this giveaway.
Connie
cps1950 at gmail dot com
August 25, 2015 at 2:31 am
Hi Connie, I appreciate your post. I love both eras, but I hope you’ll get the chance to read For Such A Time, which takes place during WWII. God bless!
August 25, 2015 at 1:44 am
I don’t have a preference, but Kate Breslin OWNED me with “For Such A Time As This”, so I’m anxiously awaiting this story.
August 25, 2015 at 2:33 am
Amy, thank you for your kind words, I’m so glad you enjoyed reading For Such A Time! I hope you’ll get the chance to read Not By Sight and let me know what you think. 🙂 Blessings, Kate
August 25, 2015 at 1:48 am
I don’t know that I have a preference. Although in the last couple of years there has been an increase in WWII stories. I think I would enjoy reading more stories set in WWI as well. I am so excited to read this book. Kate’s first book Not By Sight was my favorite read this past year and probably in my top ten favorite books ever.
August 25, 2015 at 2:36 am
Thank you so much, Brittany! I am thrilled my first novel made your top ten list. I hope you get the chance to read my other story as well. God bless!
August 25, 2015 at 2:52 am
I like WWII stories (I absolutely LOVED Kate’s debut novel “For Such A Time”!), but I think WWI has been rather overlooked…after all, the aftermath and repercussions of the First World War are what set the stage for the Second. Being a Downton Abbey fangirl, I would love to see more stories about the Great War and the Edwardian age! 🙂
August 25, 2015 at 7:14 am
Alaina, so true, you know your history! Thank you for your kind words, I’m so glad you enjoyed reading For Such A Time. I hope you’ll get to read Not By Sight, too. I can’t wait for DA’s Season 6 to start. 🙂
August 25, 2015 at 3:00 am
I’ve not read so much fiction from WW1 except maybe Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery. However in school, we had to study a lot of poetry from that era (it’s part of the British curriculum); and it is incredible. Then again, the books I’ve read on WW2 including Kate’s debut novel “For Such A Time” have also been exceptional.
As you see, I’m torn.
August 25, 2015 at 7:19 am
Lydia, thanks for posting and I’m so glad you enjoyed For Such A Time. Hmmm, decisions, decisions. 🙂 Isn’t it great when we get to choose what to read? Whatever you decide, happy adventures!
August 25, 2015 at 3:37 am
Don’t really have a preference. Thanks for the chance to win a book.
August 25, 2015 at 7:20 am
Thanks for joining us, Debi! Happy reading!
August 25, 2015 at 3:40 am
WWII stories are among my favorites so I would definitely say that’s my preference over WWI.
Thanks for this giveaway opportunity!
August 25, 2015 at 7:22 am
Thanks, Jessica! I hope you get the chance to read my WWII historical, For Such A Time!
Blessings,
Kate
August 25, 2015 at 3:54 am
My maternal grandfather served during WW1. Tougher war than WWII.
August 25, 2015 at 7:31 am
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your post. I’d have to agree WWI seems the worst of the two, at least as far as the fighting went. Trench warfare and poison gas attacks were horrible,and the men were often sitting ducks when the explosives were set off. WWII was a more mobile war, with sophisticated tanks, better-equipped aircraft and modernized weaponry. My great uncle served in WWI as well.
I hope you’ll get to read Not By Sight. Blessings!
August 25, 2015 at 7:36 am
Kim, I would add here that WWII was the more heinous of the two, both from the aspect of Hitler’s mass annihilation of the Jewish people and other prisoners, also for the level of brutality of fighting taking place in the Pacific theatre. -KB
August 26, 2015 at 1:10 am
Yes civilians were treated worse in WWII. But our troops as well as troops who fought in WWI were treated just as bad. My grandfather never would speak about what he went throught during WWI only that he wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
August 26, 2015 at 1:45 pm
Absolutely right, Kim. Thanks so much for your post!
August 25, 2015 at 4:38 am
I love both eras of history because both time periods were very interesting. Can’t read to this one. Thanks for the giveaway! 😀
August 25, 2015 at 7:37 am
Thanks, Rebecca! I hope you enjoy the story. 🙂
August 25, 2015 at 4:41 am
I like WWII stories more for some reason!
August 25, 2015 at 7:39 am
Hi Marissa, thanks for posting. I hope you’ll get the chance to read For Such A Time!
August 25, 2015 at 4:56 am
I love WWII stories!
August 25, 2015 at 7:42 am
Hi Sharee, me too! 🙂 Hope you’ll get to read my WWII historical, For Such A Time. Blessings!
August 26, 2015 at 12:11 pm
I LOVED For Such a Time as did my 17 year old daughter! She’s loves studying WWII history.
August 26, 2015 at 1:48 pm
Oh,Sharee,how wonderful you both got to read it! Thank you!!
August 25, 2015 at 5:20 am
I think in general, I prefer WWII stories… but then there seem to be more WWII stories available! I love a good WWI story as well! Can’t wait to read this!
August 25, 2015 at 7:43 am
Hi Amy! I really love European history, so both eras hold much fascination for me. Whichever way you decide, I hope you’ll enjoy the story!
August 25, 2015 at 5:31 am
I haven’t read many of either, so no preference!
August 25, 2015 at 7:47 am
Hi Patty, thanks for posting. I hope you enjoy the stories!
August 25, 2015 at 5:38 am
I’ve read so many WWII stories. I would like to read more WWI. My Great Aunt’s husband took photographs during WWI and I remember hearing stories of the war from my grandfather’s family. He was born in 1895 and died when I was nine years old. I’m finding myself drawn to that era now.
August 25, 2015 at 7:45 am
Hi, Andrea, thanks for your post. Right now, I’m drawn to that time period in history, too. My next two novels will take place during the WWI era. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Not By Sight. God bless!
August 25, 2015 at 5:39 am
I think I like WWII better, but I adore (ADORE) Kate’s writing, so I’m ever-so anxious to get my hands on a copy of her latest book. 🙂
August 25, 2015 at 7:50 am
Aw, Casey, thank you my friend.:) I hope you get the chance to read Grace and Jack’s story, too. See you in the “big D” next month. Blessings!!
August 25, 2015 at 6:14 am
I am more interested in WWII in general, so I think that is what I would like to read more about. Thanks for the giveaway!
August 25, 2015 at 7:52 am
Rebecca, thanks for your post. I hope you’ll get to read my WWII historical novel, For Such A Time!
August 25, 2015 at 7:20 am
I don’t really have a preference for WW1 or WW2….I think if the author can weave a good story, it doesn’t really matter the time period!
This book sounds good and on my want-to-read list since I first spotted it out! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of “Not by Sight”
August 25, 2015 at 7:54 am
Trixie, thank you! I hope you’ll enjoy reading Not By Sight. Blessings to you! 🙂
August 25, 2015 at 8:14 am
I like WWII stories best but both are so interesting and full of courageous people to inspire a great story.
August 26, 2015 at 1:51 pm
Thanks, Merry! I hope you get the chance to read both stories.:)
August 25, 2015 at 8:59 am
I don’t really have a preference between books set in World War I or II, however, there seems to be many more books set in World War II. I’ve read a lot of those. There aren’t so many set in World War I that I am aware of. Anne Perry wrote a fantastic series set in World War I. I’m looking forward to learning more about this time period by reading Kate’s book.
August 26, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Hi Pam, thanks for your post! A friend told me about Anne Perry’s WWI era novels, so I’m glad to hear you think they’re great since I’d planned to read a few in the coming months. 🙂 I hope you’ll enjoy reading Not By Sight!
August 25, 2015 at 9:27 am
I prefer World War II, but I like historical romance of all kinds.
August 26, 2015 at 2:24 pm
Hey Heidi! I agree, I love a good historical romance set in just about any time period. My favorite HRs, aside from WWI and WWII include Scottish and Regency. 🙂
Thanks for your post, and I hope you’ll get the chance to read Not By Sight!
August 25, 2015 at 11:14 am
WWII is my favorite of the two but do enjoy most historical fiction.
August 26, 2015 at 2:35 pm
Me too, Cindi! I love reading historical fiction, it’s like getting a history lesson without realizing you’re getting a history lesson. 🙂 And so much fun to learn about the past while being entertained with a good yarn. Thank you for your post!
August 25, 2015 at 3:47 pm
I don’t have a preference to WWI or WWII historical fiction. In fact, my favorite historical fiction takes place any time between the turn of the century to mid-century. I especially enjoy reading about the Great Depression and how WWII helped bring us out of that time (In America.)
August 26, 2015 at 2:49 pm
Hey Terrill, thanks for sharing! I haven’t read any Depression-era novels, but I’m sure I would be interested. Those were some pretty tough times. I’d love to know some authors to try! And I hope you’ll get the chance to read both my stories, too. God bless!
August 26, 2015 at 5:49 pm
Kate, one of the best Depression era books with a Christian worldview is Bodie and Brock Thoene’s Shiloh Autumn. They also wrote the Shiloh Legacy series, but Autumn is somewhat of a standalone. The series takes place right after WWI and leads into the Depression. Shiloh Autumn begins at the onset. I also read a great memoir called Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression by Mildred Armstrong. I, honestly, read this book back in 2009 after getting tired of my children’s entitled behavior. I wanted to remember how my Grandmother grew up and the work ethic she instilled in her own children. And don’t worry, I will be reading both of your books. I already planned on adding Not By Sight to my keeper shelf. P.S. I read that you live in the Seattle area. I grew up in obscure Orting, WA, but now live in Bellingham/Lynden, WA.
August 27, 2015 at 2:45 pm
Hi Terrill, thanks for the book recommendations, I’ll add them to my TBR list. And what a good idea to read about how our grandparents grew up, so different from today. Our children have no idea. 🙂 Thanks for your support too, we visited on another site recently and talked about beautiful Lynden. I really enjoyed meeting you!
August 27, 2015 at 6:05 pm
I’m sorry, I probably didn’t make it back to read your response. Thank you.
August 25, 2015 at 10:05 pm
i luv reading stories framed in history thnks kate
August 26, 2015 at 2:50 pm
Thank you for your post, Kamy. I hope you enjoy!
August 25, 2015 at 11:36 pm
I love WWII spy stories but there is little written about WWI spy stories so I’m in. This sounds wonderful, Kate. I just started For Such a Time yesterday and, oh my, am I enjoying it. 🙂
August 26, 2015 at 2:52 pm
Jen, thank you very much! I hope you enjoy both stories. 🙂 God bless!
August 26, 2015 at 1:49 am
No, I don’t have a preference. I don’t find as much World War I fiction, so I know I haven’t read as much of it as I have World War II.
August 26, 2015 at 2:53 pm
Thanks for the post, Brittany. I hope you enjoy reading Not By Sight!
August 27, 2015 at 1:51 am
I have a slight obsession with WWII stories! My grandpa was part of the normandy invasion. I’ve always been fascinated with this time in history.
August 27, 2015 at 2:48 pm
Wow, Lea, I can understand your interest in WWII, especially when your grandfather was a part of that history! I hope you’ll get the chance to read my WWII historical, For Such A Time. God bless!
August 28, 2015 at 11:16 pm
Oh I did! I read it in one day! my family knows when I put out cereal for supper, it’s because mom is engrossed in a fantastic book!lol
August 27, 2015 at 10:53 pm
Both my grandfathers and several other relatives served in WWII, so I would have to choose that one, but I like to read about WWI as well.
August 28, 2015 at 12:53 am
WWII. Mainly because I have more of a family connection with WWII.
August 28, 2015 at 1:09 pm
I love reading about either era! I’ve read more about WWII, so WWI is always fun to come across.
August 28, 2015 at 3:55 pm
I think prefer WWII. Not sure why…
August 28, 2015 at 11:54 pm
I don’t have a preference, but now that I think about it, I can’t remember the last book I read about WWI, while I have read several books set during WWII this year. I am curious now as to what the last WWI novel I read actually was! 😉
Thanks for the chance to win!
Beth
August 29, 2015 at 2:56 am
Do I have a preference? No, not really. Those are actually two of my favorite times in history to read about.