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!

Review of The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

Diana L. Flowers, Senior Reviewer/Contributor

The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

5 stars~ *****

Enchanting Read!

In The Merchant's Daughter, Melanie Dickerson has crafted a hauntingly beautiful, medieval tale, reminiscent of the timeless classic The Beauty and The Beast. The setting is 14th century England, a time in which lords and castles, servants and comely village lasses, and superstitious townsfolk abound. Our heroine, Annabel Chapman of Glynval, England, was once the wealthy daughter of a merchant, who died and left her family penniless. To avoid marrying bailiff Tom, a lecher who stalks and terrifies her, she agrees to become a servant to Lord le Wyse, who is equally terrifying, but doesn't allow his servants to be mistreated.

Lord le Wyse is formidable; a man with one eye and numerous scars covering his body, and a disposition that leaves Annabel quaking in his presence. She has heard terrible rumors that the lord turns into a howling wolf at night and roams the woods, and actually sees him in the forest one eve on all fours emitting a gut-wrenching, groaning howl from deep within. What has caused the young lord such anguish of soul and disfigurement in his features?

Annabel wishes only to become a nun and learn the Word of God, and is given an opportunity to read and discuss the Bible with Lord le Wyse before retiring for the night. In those moments she sees the vulnerable, kind man within, filled with despair, hopelessness, and feelings of rejection because of his frightening looks. As Annabel is learning to trust God and let go of her fear, she is violently attacked by someone in the woods at night, and a seemingly endless nightmare ensues. Can the beauty and the beast save one another, by the help of God's grace, or is it too late for both of them?

This book was amazing! I was tossed between wanting to savor it or burn the midnight oil to see what happens next, so I chose a happy medium. The storyline was unpredictable, as it was filled with twists and turns, and I was mesmerized! I especially loved seeing the main characters grow and evolve after reading and studying the Bible. Lord le Wyse is absolutely intriguing, and ladies, I can assure you, though beastly, he will look good in your eyes! I was impressed that the author kept a strong spiritual thread throughout, and what a climactic ending! I am so looking forward to Melanie Dickerson's next novel...it appears she gets better with each one!


GIVEAWAY: We are giving a copy of one of Melanie's books, your choice and format, away this week.  Leave your email address with your comment.

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!  


Giveaway:  Leave a comment and your email addy for a chance to win!