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High As the Heavens
by
In 1917, Evelyn Marche is just one of many women who has been widowed by the war. A British nurse trapped in German-occupied Brussels, she spends her days working at a hospital and her nights as a waitress in her aunt and uncle's café. Eve also has a carefully guarded secret keeping her in constant danger: She's a spy working for a Belgian resistance group in league with
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Paperback, 395 pages
Published
June 6th 2017
by Bethany House
(first published June 2017)
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Start your review of High As the Heavens
Oh, this was like a warm blanket and a fire on a chilly, rainy day...or like eating gourmet mac and cheese when you've had a bad day. This type of story hits all my cozy spots and makes me want to climb into the story and hug all the characters, maybe even jump up and down with them for their joy and cry with them in their pain.
I knew from a few of the advance reviews that it was going to be exactly my sort of story. The plot is one of my personal favorites, partly because it isn't done often ...more
I knew from a few of the advance reviews that it was going to be exactly my sort of story. The plot is one of my personal favorites, partly because it isn't done often ...more
This is the second book I have read by Kate Breslin; and, once again, her writing was incredible. Taking place in Belgium during World War I, Breslin brought Brussels to life with her rich historical detail of the life and times during this period. The story line was captivating as British Red Cross nurse, Evelyn Marche, plays a dual role in historical events. I felt her angst as she finds herself caught between being friendly with the Germans and supporting the allies. I loved the surprise when
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Before anything else, can we just take a moment to admire that cover? *sighs happily* It's even more beautiful in person!
Now onto my long-awaited review of this lovely book. ;)
Lovely Things:
- The plot. It was so unique, as it focused on Belgium during WWI, which is actually the first of its kind that I've seen. The main character Eve works for a Belgian resistance group as a spy, and the romance revolves around a married couple rather than two people falling in love. SO YES. This was a super ...more
Now onto my long-awaited review of this lovely book. ;)
Lovely Things:
- The plot. It was so unique, as it focused on Belgium during WWI, which is actually the first of its kind that I've seen. The main character Eve works for a Belgian resistance group as a spy, and the romance revolves around a married couple rather than two people falling in love. SO YES. This was a super ...more
What a thrill ride! Breslin's latest has non-stop action and intrigue set in the fascinating time period of World War I. The characters are detailed and realistic, reflecting emotions that speak to a broad audience in any era. The storyline is intricately plotted and filled with incredible detail that will keep readers engaged and desperate to know what will happen. The romance is tender and the historical events are captivating, making this a book that is not to be missed.
Evelyn Marche is a ...more
High as the Heavens is one of the rare WWI novels found in Christian Fiction. The main characters are a nurse (Evelyn) and a pilot (Simon). I loved the unique twist in the romance portion of the novel in that the characters are already married. In the pages, readers get a glimpse at what life was like in Belgium during WWI.
I don't typically comment on covers. This one is particularly appealing.
Many thanks to Goodreads friend Christine for letting me borrow the novel.
I don't typically comment on covers. This one is particularly appealing.
Many thanks to Goodreads friend Christine for letting me borrow the novel.
Evelyn Marche is a nurse currently working for the resistance while playing nice with the Germans in war-occupied Brussels. Her life is a barrage of secrets propelled by a haunted past. While she works at her aunt and uncle’s café and saves lives from both sides of the war, you know that she is just going through the motions. She’ll stay alive for her mother, for the Resistance that needs her, and to retrieve her siblings, lost in France.
But underneath Eve’s complicated and complex world of ...more
But underneath Eve’s complicated and complex world of ...more
Dec 04, 2017
Sarah Grace Grzy
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Ages 16+ for romantic\explicit content
Hmmm . . . 3.5 stars.
This was a bit of a disappointment in some ways.
The characters were fascinating, and had my interest from page one. The writing style, as I've already come to expect from Breslin, was beautiful. The story kept me turning pages and was unique, multifaceted, and full of suspense.
And I loved the tie-in to Not by Sight! That was so awesome! I totally started fangirling when Marcus Weatherford was mentioned. I really hope he gets his own book!
A couple of gripes:
While it was in ...more
This was a bit of a disappointment in some ways.
The characters were fascinating, and had my interest from page one. The writing style, as I've already come to expect from Breslin, was beautiful. The story kept me turning pages and was unique, multifaceted, and full of suspense.
And I loved the tie-in to Not by Sight! That was so awesome! I totally started fangirling when Marcus Weatherford was mentioned. I really hope he gets his own book!
A couple of gripes:
While it was in ...more
High as the Heavens was a captivating novel set during WWI. I found myself drawn into the story relatively quickly and it got to where I did not want to put the book down (seriously, I kept picking it back up to read every chance I could find). :)
At first I wasn't sure what I thought about the story when it switched from present to past events; but, after thinking about it some more, I realized that it actually helped me understand the backstory better and I now love the way that was written.
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At first I wasn't sure what I thought about the story when it switched from present to past events; but, after thinking about it some more, I realized that it actually helped me understand the backstory better and I now love the way that was written.
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The heartache and hope of WWI Belgium and France comes to life in this exciting and impactful story! Author Kate Breslin has done a masterful job weaving a complex tale of love, loss, forgiveness, and restoration that will keep you guessing and turning the pages to see what happens to these beloved characters. The historical details are well researched and make the story even more meaningful without overshadowing it. Well done and highly recommended.
Honestly, in order to get everything out of this book, it might need to be read twice. This is so packed with emotion, faith, espionage, danger, surprises, history (!!!), action, drama, and romance at its best. I could not put this down...as much as I needed sleep, I just couldn't set it back on the nightstand.
Eve Marche is a British Red Cross nurse in German occupied Belgium. Gathering intelligence for a resistance group, she also treats German soldiers at the hospital, and is especially ...more
Eve Marche is a British Red Cross nurse in German occupied Belgium. Gathering intelligence for a resistance group, she also treats German soldiers at the hospital, and is especially ...more
Why I Choose this Book:
Espionage.
Historical Fiction.
World War One.
Enough said.
What I Thought about this Book:
Oh my lands, folks. This book. This book was amazing. The first half of the book I kinda had my mouth wanting to drop open because it was nearly a five-star read and that happens about once every two years with me when I read a fiction book.
I’m still not sure what all the elements were that brought this book so seamlessly together in my mind, but it intrigued me, excited me, and made me ...more
Espionage.
Historical Fiction.
World War One.
Enough said.
What I Thought about this Book:
Oh my lands, folks. This book. This book was amazing. The first half of the book I kinda had my mouth wanting to drop open because it was nearly a five-star read and that happens about once every two years with me when I read a fiction book.
I’m still not sure what all the elements were that brought this book so seamlessly together in my mind, but it intrigued me, excited me, and made me ...more
First of all, I love how the story followed a married couple, Eve and Simon, instead of a couple that falls in love and gets married at the end of the book (as much as I love those, this was a nice change, especially in a stand-alone book). The author captured their emotions and feelings beautifully and transparently- Eve’s anguish and fear, Simon’s wariness and anger, and above all, their joy to be reunited and their love for each other. These characters had depth and I loved reading their
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I really enjoyed this read for three main reasons.
First, it was set in WWI. Most historical fiction reads are WWII. I'm not sure why, but the facts and history of the Second World War are much more popular among writers.
Secondly, the setting was in Brussels. The setting lends itself to more of what it was like to live in a country occupied by Germany. Concentration camps, Germany itself, and many other places are frequently used as the settings for books. I really enjoyed this one as it was a ...more
First, it was set in WWI. Most historical fiction reads are WWII. I'm not sure why, but the facts and history of the Second World War are much more popular among writers.
Secondly, the setting was in Brussels. The setting lends itself to more of what it was like to live in a country occupied by Germany. Concentration camps, Germany itself, and many other places are frequently used as the settings for books. I really enjoyed this one as it was a ...more
High as the Heavens is a WWI-era kinda romance, kinda thriller. It’s heavy on factual tidbits about the resistance in Belgium, sometimes to the point of too much. For intsance, in the first chapter, there’s a ton going on. We’re introduced to all Eve’s resistance friends, some of whom barely reappear. There’s a cast of probably ten or fifteen different characters in just the first chapter. This was a little off-putting, but it wasn’t so info-dumpy that I wanted to put the book (read: my iPod)
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Jun 29, 2017
Maureen Timerman
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Amber Schamel, Deanne Patterson, Stephanie Barko
Shelves:
2017
Once you turn the first page will you be hooked on this story including time and place, and will be walking in our heroine’s shoes, this is WWI.
We meet Evelyn, Eve, as a teenage, and even then she has an attraction for her father’s student Simon, and we follow her whirlwind romance and wedding. So little time, and yet so much love, you will ache that they had to say goodbye.
A woman that does all she can to help her parent’s homeland, Belgium, with heart in hand she goes above and beyond. She is ...more
We meet Evelyn, Eve, as a teenage, and even then she has an attraction for her father’s student Simon, and we follow her whirlwind romance and wedding. So little time, and yet so much love, you will ache that they had to say goodbye.
A woman that does all she can to help her parent’s homeland, Belgium, with heart in hand she goes above and beyond. She is ...more
There is a lack of fiction based on and around the First World War. Its a problem in both general fiction and Christian fiction. Downton Abbey helped bring that time period to literary life, but there is still a lack of WW1 specific fiction.
With her previous novel, Not by Sight and now this novel, Breslin does her part to bring WW1 to life. In this novel, Breslin brings Belgium and parts of Frnace to the forefront as they bore the brunt of the German offense. The history came to life but it ...more
With her previous novel, Not by Sight and now this novel, Breslin does her part to bring WW1 to life. In this novel, Breslin brings Belgium and parts of Frnace to the forefront as they bore the brunt of the German offense. The history came to life but it ...more
{{This is a Goodreads Only Review! Meaning, this review will not be posted on 'Books for Christian Girls'. }}
I was very excited for this book. It was on my list of anticipated books for 2017. You see, I really enjoyed the author’s previous two books and all the faith content. Her writing is so well-done and makes you feel like you're right there with the emotions of the main characters. Unfortunately, that was a downfall in this novel.
This book had the interesting twist of taking a few chapters ...more
I was very excited for this book. It was on my list of anticipated books for 2017. You see, I really enjoyed the author’s previous two books and all the faith content. Her writing is so well-done and makes you feel like you're right there with the emotions of the main characters. Unfortunately, that was a downfall in this novel.
This book had the interesting twist of taking a few chapters ...more
What a captivating story! There were so many things I loved about this book. One of my favorite things about High as the Heavens was the way the author slowly revealed important pieces of information as the story unfolded. This technique kept me enthralled and made the espionage storyline in the novel feel very real. I also enjoyed getting glimpses of events from the past that helped me understand Evelyn’s history.
I loved the fact that this was a WWI spy novel. It was such a unique setting and ...more
I loved the fact that this was a WWI spy novel. It was such a unique setting and ...more
Voraciously stunning. I couldn't put it down until about two thirds the way through when I was so invested in these characters that I almost didn't want to keep reading because...well....occupied Brussels...resistance groups...spies!!!! I knew it was going to get worse before it got better and I was about jumping out of my skin in fear and trepidation all the while yearning for Eve and Simon to overcome and rejoice in the possibility of a future together. Honestly, my heart was hammering so hard
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Full review on Faithfully Bookish http://wp.me/p7ngfE-1bz
Due to the nature of this story, my review will be relatively brief in order to avoid spoilers. I highly recommend this book!
Eve is the kind of heroine readers love wholeheartedly! I admire her courage, intelligence, and loyalty. While she wrestles with her faith and grief, Eve's work with the Belgianresistance makes it necessary for her to keep secrets from her loved ones and take risks with their safety as well as her own.
The challenges ...more
Due to the nature of this story, my review will be relatively brief in order to avoid spoilers. I highly recommend this book!
Eve is the kind of heroine readers love wholeheartedly! I admire her courage, intelligence, and loyalty. While she wrestles with her faith and grief, Eve's work with the Belgianresistance makes it necessary for her to keep secrets from her loved ones and take risks with their safety as well as her own.
The challenges ...more
Set in Belgium and (briefly) France against the backdrop of World War I, this novel is absolutely riveting! British nurse Evelyn Marche spends her days at the hospital and her nights working at her uncle and aunt's café...so it seems. Eve's most carefully guarded secret is that she also spends her nights carrying out dangerous missions as a spy for a Belgian resistance group. When a plane crashes as she's en route to a rendezvous, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to
...more
Kate Breslin fashions an intriguing, harsh, heart-rending, and ultimately beautifully redemptive tale set during World War I. I loved this author's Not By Sight, and was very eager to pick up High As the Heavens! What a fantastic read.
Following the life of a nurse in war-torn Belgium, invaded and ruled by the enemy Germans, we encounter downed Allie planes, spies, dark secrets, and daring escapades.
I really liked our main character, Eve. Despite the horrible things she has endured/seen/been a ...more
Following the life of a nurse in war-torn Belgium, invaded and ruled by the enemy Germans, we encounter downed Allie planes, spies, dark secrets, and daring escapades.
I really liked our main character, Eve. Despite the horrible things she has endured/seen/been a ...more
{3.5 stars}
Who doesn't like a good spy story?
In her lovely style of writing and intriguing story line, the author wove a fascinating espionage plot that kept me fascinated until the end. I absolutely LOVE the cover, and when I first saw it a year ago, I knew I simply HAD to read it!
There were a few moments throughout that my attention wasn't held. It was full of so many amazing moments, but I think some of the intense scenes weren't as written as action filled as they should have been. There ...more
Who doesn't like a good spy story?
In her lovely style of writing and intriguing story line, the author wove a fascinating espionage plot that kept me fascinated until the end. I absolutely LOVE the cover, and when I first saw it a year ago, I knew I simply HAD to read it!
There were a few moments throughout that my attention wasn't held. It was full of so many amazing moments, but I think some of the intense scenes weren't as written as action filled as they should have been. There ...more
Trapped behind enemy lines in German-occupied Belgium, Evelyn Marche spends her days working as a Red Cross nurse and her nights secretly working as part of La Dame Blanche, a resistance group working to undermine the German war effort. En route to her latest rendezvous, a plane crashes, its sole survivor a dead man -- Eve's husband Simon Forrester, long thought perished in the early days of the war. Equal parts shocked and delighted, Eve's new mission priority becomes protecting her husband
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I LOVED this story! Kate Breslin is a master storyteller. I was immediately swept into the story. The danger and intrigue kept me turning the pages. Eve and Simon's story is one of sacrificial love and devotion. The story is grounded with deep spiritual truths. This book is a MUST read!
Kate Breslin has done it again. Her WWI novel High as the Heavens is an instant hit among readers. This is a fabulous and delightful romance story with a bit of mystery intertwined that will make readers not want to put down this historically detailed and filled novel. From the beginning, this historically rich story will grip the heart strings of readers and remind them of the true meaning of love and family. Breslin does an excellent job of bringing to life the events of WWI in this exquisite
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Such an interesting read that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. As always, I love a historical novel that takes me to times and places I've never been before. I don't think I'd ever read a novel set in Belgium before and have read very little if any during the World War 1 time period. I'll have fond memories of how the hero called his heroine "lass". Loved that :) One thing - I was hoping the exact phrasing of the title would be used at the end of the book for a completely satisfying
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I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and the adventure was very interesting and intense. The plot twists were captivating and totally unforeseeable. I liked the main characters, Eve and Simon's relationship a lot. The main characters were Catholic which was great and their faith was definitely incorporated well and naturally into the book. There was a bit of graphic descriptions but to be expected in a WWI book. I recommended it to everyone looking for a good WWI adventure.
"Perhaps God had been silent only because He waited on her to put her faith forward and trust in Him . . . . . . . "
Repeatedly crushed by sorrowful circumstances, Red Cross nurse Evelyn Marche attempts to create a life for herself in German occupied Belgium. British by heritage, she fled to Belgium to be with her mother and younger siblings after the sudden death of her newly wedded husband, a pilot shot down almost immediately after the beginning of the war. Heavily weighted with guilt over ...more
Repeatedly crushed by sorrowful circumstances, Red Cross nurse Evelyn Marche attempts to create a life for herself in German occupied Belgium. British by heritage, she fled to Belgium to be with her mother and younger siblings after the sudden death of her newly wedded husband, a pilot shot down almost immediately after the beginning of the war. Heavily weighted with guilt over ...more
Beneath the nurse's apron Eve Marche wears while tending to German and Allied troops beats the heart of a spy. Pinned to it is the Iron Cross she was awarded for saving Major Otto Reinhardt. While the cross provides an element of protection from the Bosch, it also invites scornful glares from fellow Belgians. She can't tell them the truth, no one must know—no one outside her family—of her involvement in theLa Dame Blanchnetwork. In her third novel, Kate Breslin dials up the danger and intrigue
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| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YA Buddy Readers'...: High As the Heavens by Kate Breslin - April 4, 2018 | 17 | 8 | Apr 24, 2018 02:21PM | |
| Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish | 1 | 2 | Jul 04, 2017 01:36PM | |
| YA Buddy Readers'...: High As the Heavens by Kate Breslin --> Starting July 15th, 2017 | 1 | 5 | Jun 30, 2017 01:49PM |
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Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. A writer of travel articles and award-winning poetry, Kate received Christian Retailing's 2015 Best Award for First Time Author and her first novel, For Such A Time, won American Christian Fiction Writers 2015 Carol Award. Kate's third novel, High As The Heavens, released in June, 2017.
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“Hope-it was a fire that lit the soul, a belief in both the impossible and in everything imaginable, the budding anticipation of joy, waiting with each breath.”
—
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