HIGH AS THE HEAVENS by Kate Breslin, KateHIGH AS THE HEAVENS by Kate Breslin, Kate

HIGH AS THE HEAVENS

byKate Breslin, Kate

Paperback | June 6, 2017

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Title:HIGH AS THE HEAVENSFormat:PaperbackDimensions:400 pages, 8.35 × 5.51 × 1.18 inPublished:June 6, 2017Publisher:Baker Publishing GroupLanguage:English

The following ISBNs are associated with this title:

ISBN - 10:076421781X

ISBN - 13:9780764217814

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Reviews

Rated 4 out of 5 by from Really enjoyed this one. I will be honest here and say it was the cover that drew me towards this book. I have a thing for airplanes on covers, it evokes a feeling of intrigue and mystery with a spy element even before I knew what this book was about. Evelyn Marche is a British Red Cross nurse living in Belgium during World War One. It was after her husband's plane is shot down that she returns to her family from England. The first bit of the book I found a little flat as it gave us her background and relationship with her husband. It was interesting enough and set the stage, it also gave me the chance to get to know Evelyn but it lacked something. Once the pace picked up and events started to unfold in Belgium, I was hooked. This is my first time reading a book from this location and time period. While the war played out here I feel the book centered more around Evelyn and this mysterious pilot. Now don't get me wrong there was enough that I was able to feel the tension in Belgium and the workings of the resistance group, as well as get a general feel and sense of the danger for those in German occupied Belgium. A small part took place in France as well. This is my first time reading a book by Kate Breslin and I was impressed. I think I read the last half in a day as the action peaked and I was anxious to find out what would happen. High as the Heavens is the kind of Christian fiction I enjoy reading, it is the story of forgiveness, family and faith. Of overcoming guilt and not having to carry your burdens by yourself. Definitely a book I recommend. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
Date published: 2018-01-09
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Good historical fiction! I received High as the Heavens for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. This is the first book I have read written by Kate Breslin. It is a story about World War I and follows the life of Evelyn Marche, a British nurse that is working in Brussels. She has gained the trust of the Germans and is working as a spy for the British. One night a plane crashes and she is one of the first on the scene. She recognizes one of passengers and does her best to hide his true identity. She works with her team to keep him safe without revealing how she knows this man Simon. Evelyn has spent her time protecting the little family that she has left and has witnessed horrible things during the war. Her main goal is to survive as well as to help others escape the hands of the Germans. This story was a great reminder of the sacrifices so many made during the war to protect others, including strangers. Although the story is fiction, some of the concepts are taken from real stories. I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story and was often quickly turning pages to find out what was going to happen. The start of the story flips back and forth between a few years and I found it difficult to get into the story without getting lost. Once most of the story is laid out, it continues without going back and forth which made it easier to read for me. I truly enjoyed it though and was not able to predict a lot of what was going to happen. I would recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction. It is a little more of a war story than a romance but still a great read. This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Date published: 2017-07-29
Rated 2 out of 5 by from Approach with Caution Kate Breslin has proven herself to be a masterful author.  After tremendously enjoying her last novel “Not by Sight”, I was eager to obtain a copy of her newest release, “High as the Heavens.”  Would her most recent novel prove to be as stellar as her previous?  Well… In some ways yes, in other ways,  I’m sorry to say definitely not. “High as the Heavens” contains an absolutely phenomenal plot.  It is a dramatic, ever-changing saga of espionage, danger and secrets, and every reader will be left gaping at the page in shock at least once along the way.  In fact, to be completely fair, “High as the Heavens” holds one of the very best plots that I have ever read.  Additionally, not only is it a grand adventure, but it is also strengthened by many faith-building elements.  So what’s the problem? The problem begins in the fact that the couple in the book is already married.  While of course this in not an issue in and of itself, it does open the door to far too many thoughts, conversations, memories, and desires that would have been best left private from the reader.  In this way, “High as the Heavens” is sadly disappointing as it is not uncommon for it to be very inappropriate. As another aspect to be aware of, the horrors of war are described in great detail.  No words are minced when it comes to the atrocities of battle scenes, or the brutality of the the attacks carried out against women by some soldiers.  All are brought to vivid life.  While these scenes are very difficult to read, I realize that they are also historically accurate as they depict the terrors that real people faced in the first world war.  Still, it is incredibly horrible, and sometimes the details seem a bit much.  Thus, “High as the Heavens” is a difficult book to review.  It is very disappointing on many levels in the fact that it is frequently unsuitable for those wanting a completely clean read, and in other ways it shines in it’s examples of hope, and forgiveness. In the end it is, of course, up to you whether “High as the Heavens” will be on your reading list.  Honestly, I wouldn’t really recommend either way, but would suggest that it be approached with caution if you decide to give it a try. “Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”
Date published: 2017-07-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Incredible 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 I think I have bruised ribs! And -- clueless me -- I had no idea there were resistance groups in World War I. Thankfully Kate Breslin has opened my eyes and increased my knowledge in a delightfully captivating way. And be sure to read the author's notes at the back of the book -- even more eye opening and explains the inspiration behind heroine Evelyn Marche. What an incredible woman! Deeply wounded emotionally but with an inner core of strength that compels her to do amazing things. And I love the contrast the author gives us through flashbacks of Eve before the war. My heart ached for the loss of innocence but I can also see how even the most negative circumstances have shaped the woman she has become. And Simon with his Scottish bur...fainting couches are a definite requirement for this read! Think brawny and tender and an outrageous tease. When he winks at me...er...at Eve...well, my butterflies have butterflies. This isn't an easy story to read -- partly because Eve and Simon and a host of other characters are reflections of real life heroes who stood for right in whatever way they could. I dream about having that kind of courage, but I'm honest enough to say I'm not sure I would. A sensational Historical Romance that educates and inspires even as it entertains. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
Date published: 2017-07-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Wonderful World War 1 Fiction Oh my stars. I know I start a lot of book reviews with the words “oh my stars” because I just don’t think a book can be topped, and then, sure enough, it is — but this one. Oh my stars. I confess, because I read a fair bit, and my books come at me for free, sometimes I forget who wrote what, and the lines between authors and book names blur. That happened with this one. I saw this book in a list of choices, and I saw Kate Breslin’s name, and, knowing that I’d read a book of hers before, but thinking it was a different book, and I got very excited. Her other book I’ve read, “Not by Sight,” I found I didn’t fall in love with right away. It definitely grew on me and I LOVED it by the end, but because of how long it had taken me to get into it, I was disappointed when I opened up High as the Heavens and saw that Kate Breslin and Sarah Sundin are not the same person. But. This book. Like I said. Oh my stars. I couldn’t stop. I read the first 2/3 of it in one sitting. I was so hooked. I don’t know if it was the time period, or if it was the World War 1 setting (World War historical fictional romance always gets me), but this book had me from page 1. The drama and the story all built in with the intrigue and suspense and the secrets and the danger …. I don’t want to spoil any little tiny bit, but I want to tell you so much, all at the very same time! I laid on a couch at my parents’ while on vacation and read this book for the majority of a chilly, rainy Alberta afternoon. I couldn’t/wouldn’t stop, and I highly recommend that you pick it up for yourself and see why. A British nurse in WWI German-occupied Brussels, Evelyn Marche spends her days at the hospital and her nights working at a café . . . or 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 recognize the badly injured pilot as British RFC Captain Simon Forrester. She risks her life to conceal him from the Germans, but as the secrets between them grow and the danger mounts, can they still hope to make it out of Belgium alive? Book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Date published: 2017-07-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Being clever is one way to survive High as the Heavens, by Kate Breslin is an incredibly well-written historical novel that gives the reader a fresh understanding of the severity of World War I on the Belgian homefront. The severity that brings to light the devastation and losses of war--loss of limb, livelihood and often life is softened with the grace of relationships with those who are loved and can be trusted and with the hope that lights the soul and brings anticipation of joy. Eve, an English nurse working in a German run hospital in Belgium, is living by her wits in the midst of the enemy. She is beautiful, competent and yet full of secrets. Simon, a British pilot, is injured in a plane crash in Belgium. Eve wears a German Iron Cross award? Why? Can he trust Eve with his life? Was there any hope for a relationship? What was in her past that continues to haunt her? Would the nightmares ever stop? Would guilt continue to hold her hostage? The author draws the reader in immediately with the richness of the characters and their emotions--they resonate in one's soul. Anguish, grief, fear, regret, remorse come across so realistically. Readers early on are compelled to see that war destroys more than men. Dreams, hopes, love, they are all tainted by so much death. Relationships are fraught with secrets ad half-truths. The intrigue of war clearly stands out as the author has done her research and tells of spy networks, secret passageways, everyday people working together to get messages to the Allies, traitors and dangerous escapes. The plot is strong with a number of twists and turns. The tension and suspense are powerfully riveting. High as the Heavens is an amazing story of the courage and conviction of individuals fighting in a war, and some who are fighting a war within. The strong thread of a faith in a God who extends mercy is interwoven with the story of friends and family who would do anything for each other because that truly is what matters most. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.
Date published: 2017-07-17
Rated 4 out of 5 by from •°o•:*:•.LIKE READING A MEMOIR.•:*:• o°• Opening Scripture: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:11-12 ** This story is filled with intrigue and takes place during WWI. It focuses on the Marche family and how war has torn them apart and turned their worlds into something inside a bad dream. It is a very real look at what it must have been like to live during those times and cling desperately to hope, faith, and your loved ones, never knowing what the next moment might hold. There is a gentle romance, but it takes a back seat to the reality of living, operating and SPYING within a small, German occupied town. The horrors the people faced are unimaginable, and yet, where our world seems to be headed today, it is a good reminder of how to survive and what may await us in the days ahead. Eve March is beyond brave, as are her brother and sister who now survive far from their family. Even her own frail mother, who weaves secret messages into lace collars blew me away. There are multiple daring rescues that kept my stomach in knots. In many instances, the book jumps back and forth between flashbacks and the present, and also gives you a look at multiple characters point of view. I thought it all worked well. The story is well written, albeit a heavy topic. The descriptions and attention to detail are extensive. I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Date published: 2017-07-16
Rated 4 out of 5 by from WWI Page-Turner With so many historical fictions based during WWII I had to go back and read the description again when I realized Kate Breslin's newest novel is actually based in WWI. Once I cleared up my generational confusion I found myself plunged into a world with intrigue, romance, and wartime redemption. I confess, WWI is not in my wheelhouse of studies so for those readers looking for historically accurate details I cannot confirm or deny anything. For readers looking for an engaging page turning I can heartily confirm this book is worth looking into. I loved the complexity of Evelyn in this novel. While she bares many of the normal traits I'd expect in a heroine she had layers of complexity as she works through her regrets stemming from wartime decisions and her connection to the downed pilot. I enjoyed the realism Breslin works into her characters dreams and fears as well as the timeline (though most of it is pre-story). Speaking of story, I loved the story and found Breslin's decision to include a back and forth between the main story and three years earlier was one that both heightens character development and interest as well as the intrigue of the stories. Thanks to the slow unfolding of Marche's reasons for guilt just feels natural and shows Breslin's skill as an author. One thing I did notice about Breslin's work is that, while her main characters are delightful and complex, I found the secondary characters to be less dynamic in their own stories. I had no problem viewing this book as a one-shot as there wasn't enough interest in the other characters to draw the story further. Overall, High as the Heavens was an exciting page turner that soared above my expectations. 4 out of 5 stars "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
Date published: 2017-07-16
Rated 5 out of 5 by from WWI 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 a nurse and a good one; she uses this to help in fighting the enemy in ingenious ways. You will feel the sense of loss, and then found, and loss again, a roller coaster ride, and all the while a feeling that you are being led by God. There are so many beloved characters here, and yet you are waiting for the other shoe to drop and find that one who is not what they seem, and yet hoping for the best. As the last page is turned there was a sense of loss as I wanted to continue in their lives, and yet you want the evil that was in Europe at that time defeated. What a great read! I received this book through Bethany House Blogging Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
Date published: 2017-07-06
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Wonderful war-based fiction I enjoyed every single moment of Kate Breslin's "High as the Heavens", not only because it is written so well but because the story simply captivated me! The drama is top-notch, and there is historical suspense aplenty which I always thoroughly enjoy. Breslin did an excellent job at immersing me in World War I German Occupied Brussels, such that I felt like I was experiencing the horrors that these people experienced during that time. I haven't read that many books based in World War I, as I typically choose World War II based novels, but I think this book may have changed my preferences in that regard. I really liked how she interspersed the 1917 scenes with those from earlier years depicting the birth of Eve and Simon's relationship. These scenes provide some more light-hearted moments in the midst of the tension filled scenes from 1917. I also appreciated that they are woven seamlessly into the story as a whole such that I didn't feel jarred from the novel when the new time periods were introduced. The characters are finely formed, and readers will love Eve's courage and determination to survive and do everything she can to fight against the German occupation. The actions she takes to protect Simon in particular made for riveting reading, while Simon himself emerges as quite the hero. By the time I reached the point in the story of Eve's daring plan to spring Simon from the hospital where he was under heavy guard by German soldiers, I knew I was not going to be putting this book down anytime soon. Indeed, I stayed put until I'd devoured the final pages, having greatly enjoyed the time I spent with these remarkable characters. War themed historical fiction books just don't get better than this. If you are looking for a book with drama and intrigue, characters you will grow to love, and deep themes of forgiveness and grace, then "High as the Heavens" is just what you have been looking for. I strongly recommend this novel and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Date published: 2017-07-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by from GOD is in the Heavens High as the Heavens is one incredible novel - yes I said novel because it is so intense yet light on top about a nurse called Evelyn. Evelyn is part of the resistance in WWI. She lost her husband in the war or did she? She works for her Aunt and Uncle at their café doing what she can to save lives including her mother's, and her siblings that are lost in France. She does what she can when she finds out information working in the café - and something incredible happens - you will not believe that changes her life dramatically - it is a shocker - what should she do? What would you do? I shall not tell you what happens so I don't ruin the book for you. Get this book it is incredible and you are so drawn into it that when the book ends you find yourself disappointed that there is no more, and you hope , really hope there will be more from this author. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House. All the opinions about this book are my own.
Date published: 2017-06-13