2 Things are Blind

At some point, I’m going to have to admit I enjoy historical fiction. Well, let me quantify that. At some point, I’m going to have to admit I enjoy historical romance. Let’s face it, while I won’t be picking up a history book anytime soon, I’ve always been a fan of Regency-era fiction. Over the past couple of years have read a couple historical romances I’ve enjoyed. A Lot. And the book I finished last night? LOVED, LOVED, LOVED!!!

When Jack Benningham attends a masquerade ball in order to track a suspect, he is distracted by a vision in green. Grace Mabry’s purpose in sneaking into the ball is to shame those who don’t support the war her brother is fighting for the country, and Jack is too tempting a target–a known conscientious objector to the war, someone who will attract attention.

Months later, Grace does her part helping in the war with the Women’s Forage Corps. There she meets a few incredible women and after a rough start, she settles into life at Roxwood Manor. But her past comes to haunt her when she discovers Lord Roxwood is none other than Jack Benningham.

The man hides in the country manner after an accident left him blind and burned. When he hires Grace as his driver, she is confused and scared but she won’t back down. They begin to spend time together, and she begins to see the man behind the mask.

There is so much going on in this book, it was hard to put down. The relationships Grace forges with her co-workers reveal her kindness. But Grace has a stubborn streak that Jack Benningham is able to expose upon their first several meetings. His enjoyment at baiting her is evident.

And then there’s Jack’s dilemmas—coping with his blindness, his engagement to a woman he doesn’t love, his search for a spy, and his growing attraction to Grace who is pulling him out of hiding.

Truth be told, there are really three things that are blind in this novel: Jack, faith, and love.

Author Kate Breslin has been getting a little heat for the plot line in her debut novel, For Such a Time. I have not yet read the book so I won’t comment on that other than to say after reading Not by Sight, I want to read the first book. Not because of the controversy but because of the masterful storytelling.

***Bethany House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own