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01 July 2012

Diana Flowers Reviews Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren


5 stars~ *****

Glamorous Indeed!
In Glamorous Illusions, Lisa T. Bergren sweeps the reader away on a journey that begins on a struggling farm, to the copper mines of Montana; to the gorgeous cathedrals, chateaus, and palaces of the very wealthy in England and Paris. Our heroine, Cora Diehl, has come home to her farm in Montana to visit her parents after attending college, only to have her father suffer a stroke and is now unable to work the farm. Then a stranger arrives on her doorstep with a shocking secret and a proposition...one that she realizes she cannot refuse.

Cora finds herself on a fabulous journey of self discovery and adventure with her siblings--siblings she never even knew existed, in a world quite different than her own. With much trepidation and anticipation, Cora joins them on The Grand Tour of Europe led by tour guides, Will McCabe and his uncle. Suddenly thrust into a world of masked balls, gorgeous gowns, art museums, and magnificent palaces, Cora begins to question who she is and where she really belongs. And two very different men are falling for her; one an extremely wealthy, French Prince Charming, and her tour guide, Will. Where does Cora's path to self discovery lead her, and will she ever feel comfortable in this opulent lifestyle, and with her haughty siblings? Is she a Kensington or a Diehl?

Lisa T. Bergren takes us on a wonderful journey to places most of us only dream of visiting! Her use of imagery, and firsthand knowledge of Europe will fascinate and draw the reader in with a novel that is nigh unto impossible to put down. I loved the unpredictability and excitement of this book--one never knows what is going to happen next--not even which honorable character our heroine is going to end up with. With a wonderful cliff-hanger of a conclusion (to be continued in next book of series), and a spiritual thread throughout...this is an absolute must read! Nicely done, Lisa Bergren!


I received a copy of this novel from Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review.

28 comments:

  1. Beautiful review, Diana. Thanks so much! I was a little surprised to see Lisa T. Bergren had written this as it seems quite different from her other books. Great to hear her talent gleams in this work, also!

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  2. Thanks, CARRIE! I am finding out what a versatile author she really is...I was pleasantly surprised as well by this book! There is literally nothing she can't write about it appears.

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  3. I adore the breasthtaking way Lisa writes! I can't wait to read my own copy. Nice review, Diana.

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  4. DIANA great review...I have this on my kindle and I can't wait to read it! :)

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  5. Thank you, CARLA. This book is truly a lovely and exciting pageturner, but unfortunately it IS a cliffhanger and we have to wait until next spring to see what happens next...sigh. Lisa is a phenomenal writer!

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  6. Thanks for the great Review, an't wait to read the Book.

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  7. Thanks, INGRID! I hope you get the chance soon!

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  8. Sounds like a fantastic book!! Am I borrowing this when I see you in a few days?? LOL

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  9. Enticing review, Diana! I have this book on my Kindle, so don't enter me. I really need to get back into reading. So many good books and I am just not able to stay focused yet :( It is taking me so long to read just one book!

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  11. Thanks, ANNE! I'm having the same problem with books right now--it's taking me alot longer to finish them. Then I have a spurt and read 3 in a week! I need to get a move on, that's for sure! The new books are starting to creep in...

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  12. CATHY, I know you! You are a cover girl, like your aunt! haha You fell in love with this gorgeous cover, didn't you? So did I! Oh, that dress!...and in this case you certainly can judge a book by its cover!

    But, I can't loan it to you b/c you don't have a Kindle, CAT.:( AND I got this one from Net Galley, and they won't let you loan them to other Kindles. :(

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  13. WONDERFUL review, Diana, and without question, one of the best books I have read this year. Lisa Bergren is a new fave of mine and from premise to execution, this is a beautifully written novel -- LOVED it!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  14. JULIE, thank you! And to think we have to wait til spring to read the next book in the series! *sigh* Lisa is one of THE best...I agree wholeheartedly, JULIE! THANK YOU, for coming by!

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  15. Thanks so much, Diana! I appreciate you! And sorry for making you wait for book 2...It's coming!!

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  16. You're forgiven, LISA! lol! I appreciate you as well AND your wonderful books! Thank you for using your awesome talent for the Lord!

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  17. Wonderful review, Diana! I also enjoyed this book a lot! Can't wait for book 2!!

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  18. Thank you, MARIAN! Neither can I!!

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  19. Anyone know where I can get a dress like that? Looking forward to reading this!

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  20. It is sooo glamorous, CATHY! Just like the title implies! Hoping you will be able to read it soon!

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  21. What a gorgeous cover...beautiful dress. It is the cover that drew me to read your very well written review, Diana, and I'm so glad I did. I've not known of this author before and am quite looking forward to reading her book. It seems to be exceptional writing quality and very detailed to taking us on a grand tour. Thank you for this giveaway and the chance to win a fantastic read.

    Blessed by Grace,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  22. Diana - Great review! Saw the beautiful cover this weekend at Lifeway bookstore. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
    Sharon
    smoore at tcq dot net

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  23. BARBARA, thank you so much for your kind words! Lisa has written alot of great books--I started reading her first series over 10 yrs ago. I hope you get a copy of GI in your hands soon!

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  24. SHARON-thank you! The book is more awesome than the cover if you can believe that!!

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  25. I'm getting in line for the dress, too :) It's so beautiful! Can you imagine what it must have been like to wear clothes like this?! Ignoring the corset factor, they're just so romantic and feminine...*SIGH
    Of course, I could use a corset ;)

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  26. I could use a corset too, ANNE, but I like breathing better. lol! That dress is sooo gorgeous...wonder how much it cost? No, I can't imagine what it would be like to wear a gown like that; I would have no place to wear it. :(

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  27. you are invited to follow my blog

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