Marian's review of Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

The Grand Tour Series book 1

David C. Cook 2012

Reviewed by Marian Baay

5 stars *****

Lisa Bergren writes a fabulous story in Glamorous Illusions!

Cora Diehl grew up in a poor farmer family. When her papa suffers a second stroke, a wealthy stranger comes to her door to announce that he is her biological father. Cora can't believe it, but when her mother affirms the story her world is turned upside down.

Mr. Kensington is a wealthy man. He offers the best medical care to Cora's papa. But Cora must come with him to meet his children and go with them on their Grand Tour of Europe. Eventually Cora decides to go. She's introduced to his family and she gets her own maid. 

After the first introduction to her siblings she feels unaccepted and lonely. How is she ever to deal with her siblings the whole summer?

Her life is suddenly so different now. She starts to wonder who she really is. Mr. Kensington encourages her to find that out on her Grand Tour.

The bear and his nephew Will are to look after the Kensington siblings and their friends. Will is a young man who is attracted to Cora from the first moment they meet. But as her protector he can't pursue her.

From Montana to England and from England to France is where this first book of the Grand Tour Series will take you. Sail with Cora to Europe to enjoy the grand houses and enter their balls. Let yourself fall in love with the awesome characters in this story. I loved every page of this book. Lisa knows how to keep your interest. I hated to see this book end and I am eagerly awaiting the next two books in this series!


*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.*

You can buy Lisa's books on Amazon, CBD and other book stores.

Diana Flowers' Summer Reading List!

This week our format is different.  Carrie is the ACFW BookClub Discussion Facilitator for MaryLu Tyndall's Surrender the Dawn. Are you a member?  Put "BC" on your comment AND send a comment to the ACFW

Book Club to get counted 5 times for the drawing!  Comment here and on the Bookclub posting for the rest of the week and that gives you, well.... you do the math, lol -- lots of chances!!!

Summer Reads – Consensus

Carrie and Diana both were privileged to read advance copies of Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall (July 1, 2012) and Marian and Teresa are also reading!!!

DIANA's list: By order of release!

An Uncommon Grace by Serena Miller      (April)

Mary's Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley is on both Carrie’s and Diana’s lists. Diana will have a review up soon.                    (May, 2012)

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren      (June 1)

The Forgiven Duke by Jamie Carie             (July 1)

These are Diana’s reads and Carrie’s “eye” reads.  Will post my audiobook listens later in the week. 

We’re not sure if we will receive this for summer but all four of us will read Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz (September 1, 2012 – CBD says they have it available 8-15, though.)

Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of one MaryLu Tyndall’s books! Are any of your summer reads on Diana's list?   

Friend on Friday (Dutch Time!!!) - Review of Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren

Review Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren

5 stars *****

Reviewed by Marian Baay

After saving their dad in the 21st century - Gabi, Lia and their parents travel back to the 14th century. More than a year has passed for Marcello. He is even more determined to marry Gabi. But before Gabi can make a decision, her whole family must agree to stay in the 14th century. And before a final decision can be made Gabi is put in prison and Firenze tries to force her in marriage with one of their citizens. Gabi tries to escape, but get captured again and now is lead to the altar immediately.

Can Gabi escape this forced marriage? Can she get back to Marcello before she is bound to another man? Will Gabi's family decide to stay in the 14th century?

I really loved this book.  It is the perfect ending of an exciting trilogy. Rarely I have read a trilogy that captivated me so fully. The story drew me deep in. I loved the characters, the adventure, the romance, the setting. Well, I just loved everything about it.

I loved reading about Gabi's growing faith in God. She is trusting Him more and more. I was a tiny bit disappointed that there wasn't much Lia and Luca time. So I really do hope to read more about these characters - maybe in a new series?

This series was written for Young Adult, but as an adult I also loved it a lot! I'm sure I will read this series again to enjoy Lisa's excellent storytelling.

I highly recommend this series for all ages.


GIVEAWAY: We are continuing our celebration this week in anticipation of Christmas.  Leave a comment for a chance to win a surprise book.  No unwrapping it yet!

Friend on Friday - Marian Baay reviews Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

Cascade
Published by David C. Cook

by Lisa T. Bergren

Review

By Marian Baay

5 stars *****

In Waterfall we traveled back to the 14th century with Gabi and Lia. Gabi fell in love with Marcello. At the end of the book Gabi and Lia had to travel back to the 21st century. That is where Cascade continues.

When Mom finds out what happened to Gabi and Lia she freaks out. Gabi convinces her Mom and Lia to travel back to the 14th century. When they get there a couple of months have passed since they left and some things have changed. Marcello is very happy to see Gabi again and he arranges a feast to celebrate the return of the Ladies Betarrini.

In this wonderful second book in the River of Times Series, the Betarrinis have to battle new dangers and the love between Gabi and Marcello grows. Marcello persuades Gabi to marry him, but Gabi is not sure if she’s ready for marriage.

We get to know Lia better and soon she’s falling in love with Luca.

If you liked Waterfall, I’m sure you’ll love Cascade. Lisa T. Bergren did a great job with this series. It’s written for Young Adult, but I think it’s a great read for all ages. I enjoyed it immensely and could not put the book down until it was finished.

Thanks, Marian, for the great review!  Readers – Marian is from the Netherlands.  She is a lector who reads, judges, and translate books from English into the Dutch language for publishers. She previously worked in an international operating transport company.

Diana's Corner - Book Review Waterfall

Waterfall:The River of Time Series by Lisa Tawn Bergren

41/2 stars~


Reviewed by Diana Flowers

Exciting Dive Into Waterfall!

Lisa T. Bergren takes us on an exciting whimsical journey back in time, beginning in modern day Tuscany and ending up in 14th century Italy! Gabi and Lia Betarrini have spent every summer with their archaelogist parents amongst the ruins of medieval castles, ancient tombs, and dusty sites. However, on this particular summer day, something happens to change the course of both of these sisters' lives, when they place their hands atop a handprint in an ancient tomb, and find themselves in 14th century Italy.

Gabi instantly finds herself without Lia, in the midst of lords and ladies, warring knights and one handsome lord...Marcello Forelli! Gabi enlists Marcello and his friend, Luca, to help her find her sister, without divulging her secret that she has traveled back in time.


Difficulties arise when Marcello's fiance, Lady Rossi, starts to see an attraction develop between him and Gabi...and when she also finds herself caught between two opposing forces in many a life or death situation. Did God send her there to help change the course of history? Where is Lia and can they save her before it is too late, and how can Gabi allow herself to fall in love, knowing somehow she must return to the present and leave Marcello behind?

There is so much to this plot that I cannot say more without spoilers, but this is a delightful read for young adults everywhere! I have to admit I had a hard time putting it down myself and I'm certainly not in that age group! Lisa T. Bergren's writing style is impeccable, as is her research, and her characters were well developed and charming. I am looking forward to Cascade which is the next book in The River of Time Series, where Gabi's journey continues!  


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