“Waterfall” is the first book in the bestselling “River of Time”series by Lisa Bergren. I read this series when it first released in 2011 and since then it has been an all-time favorite series! Ms. Bergren is now releasing new editions of this series. Reading this new edition felt like coming home. Upon my reread of “Waterfall,” I loved it just as much, if not more, as I did the first time around. This time-travel book is an exciting and breath-taking adventure that sweeps the reader away to medieval Italy! Ms. Bergren wanted to write a book with the romance of “Twilight” and the action of “The Hunger Games” and she achieved just that. It is perfect for teens and adults alike. The reader gets to be inside our heroine Gabi’s head as she and her sister find a portal through some tombs to medieval Italy and meet hot knights and get caught up in battles between opposing forces. I love the way we hear Gabi’s thoughts and Ms. Bergren does an excellent job writing from a teenage girl’s point of view. The story is addictive and easy to read. It really feels like you are in medieval times and the author obviously did her historical research. Readers will love Gabi’s brave and strong character (the girl rappels down a castle wall and is not afraid to pick up a sword) and is in danger of losing her heart to the handsome knight, Marcello. I love the side characters (whom you will see more of as the series continues [Team Greco!]) Ms. Bergren writes amazing action sequences, and I was never bored. I also love how she adds subtle faith themes, which she expands upon as the series continues. Now I need to reread the rest of the series. The books just get better as the series goes on. I highly recommend this book and series!
Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: blood, gore, and torture; mention of alcohol and people pretend to be drunk; assumption that a woman sleeps around; se*ual innuendos.
TW: intended r*pe, unsuccessful.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Fathoms” by Lisa Bergren is the third book in the “Oceans of Time” series, which is an adult spin-off from the beloved “River of Time" series. I eagerly read the original “River of Time” books when they first released in 2011 and was so excited to finally have some Christian young adult fiction that was just as good as any secular fiction of the time. Since then, I have read every book in both series. I am sad that this beloved series is ending, but I was so glad that the final book lived up to my expectations for a series finale (it went beyond my expectations)! As I read “Fathoms,” it felt like coming home to read about this world and these characters. It was neat to see familiar characters, especially from the “River of Time” series as well. The book is gritty, heartfelt, and realistic with wonderful faith content!
In the beginning of “Fathoms,” Luciana is struggling with losing her sight and realizing her value is found in who she is, not in what she does. She is debating whether she should risk going through the tombs again to be healed but is not sure of where or when in time the tombs will take her on the return trip. I loved watching Luciana learn to adapt to living a life without her sight and how she learns ways to still fight and be a girlboss (or “She-wolf”). The characters of the book face immense joy and great hardships. I loved the beautiful faith content, which had me in tears and encouraged me in my own faith. There are lessons on family, love, and choosing to risk loving on a deeper level. The characters learn that God puts us in certain moments, places, and times for a purpose. They must learn to welcome peace, regardless of the circumstances. I do not want to say too much about the plot since it is the third book in a series, and I do not want to spoil anything. I will say there’s non-stop, pulse-pounding action and it was hard to put down. The romances were beautiful, as were the family relationships. I am so sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I am glad I can always re-read all the books. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book and series! I cannot wait to see what Ms. Bergren writes next!
Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: mention of bawdy jokes; mention of bedding someone once they’re married; mention of alcohol; mention that people might be accused of witchcraft; someone wonders if they are hallucinating; a child is pledged in marriage to an old man; vague reference to past r*pe in a previous book; a bad man makes lewd jokes and sexual innuendos; someone thinks they’re possibly going mad; forced medical examination and procedures without consent; a man wants a woman to become his consort and it’s implied he has mistresses; a character possibly has PTSD; a man tries to force a woman to have an ab*rtion; blood, gore and violence; reference to a couple’s wedding night and waking up in each other’s arms.
TW: brief mention of hallucinations and possibly going mad; past r*pe; forced medical examination and procedures without consent and unwanted advances and kisses (with the intent to take advantage of her, but he is not able to); possible PTSD; mention of ab*rtion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Keturah (The Sugar Baron’s Daughters) (Bethany House, February 2018)
In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father’s estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.
Although it flies against all the conventions, they’re determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined–and that’s just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.
Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.
To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?
Lisa Bergren has long been one of my favorite
authors, starting with her famous “River of Time” series.I was so excited for the chance to read and
review her newest book, “Keturah,” the first book in the “Sugar Baron’s
Daughters” series.I can say that I
truly loved “Keturah!”
“Keturah” is a beautifully written story.I love Ms. Bergren’s engaging writing style
that kept me turning pages and made me so invested in her characters.Even though this isn’t as fast-paced as her
young adult novels, it’s still written in such a way that I was able to be
fully engaged and read it quickly.
This story also deals with some heavier issues, like
slavery and abuse.The main character
has experienced physical and emotional abuse in the past, but nothing is
described in detail.These topics didn’t
bog the story down or make it depressing.
I love the way Ms. Bergren writes her
characters.This book tells the story of
three sisters embarking on a life changing journey.Obviously this is mainly Keturah’s story and
it sounds like the other sisters will each get their own stories in subsequent
books.Keturah has to learn to make her
own way and take things one step at a time.She is a strong female character.The sisters have such a great bond and I fell in love with each
sister.
Our hero, Gray, is very swoon-worthy!The way he cares for Keturah and looks after
her is so sweet; even though his love is unrequited for a large part of the
novel.He reminds me of my husband,
which is high praise!I also love the
strong faith many of the characters have.God is a large part in many of the main characters’ lives.There is such a great faith thread interwoven
throughout this story.I definitely
recommend this book!
Content: Ms. Bergren is one of the more “edgy” Christian fiction
writers.I would probably rate this book
PG-13.As I mentioned above, this book does
deal with physical and emotional abuse, which could potentially be a
trigger.Some other examples of content
are: mention of rape and violence; reference to women
of ill repute; talk of a man’s conquests; the word Negro is used in a
historical context; a man eyes a woman’s bodice; allusions to abuse in a past
marriage; mentions of a man getting drunk; people drink wine as part of a meal;
sailors sing bawdy songs, references to tavern wenches and giving favors; a man
swears, but the word is not actually written; slaves are nude when being
auctioned and there is violence; talk of a woman being a man’s mistress.
Rating:
I
give this book 5 stars!
Genre:
Christian
fiction; Romance; Historical
I want to thank Litfuse Publicity, Lisa Bergren and
Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I
was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this
review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s
CFR 16, Part 255.
About the Author:
Lisa T. Bergren has published more than 40 books with more than 3 million books sold combined. She's the author of the Christy Award-winning "Waterfall," RITA®-finalist "Firestorm," bestselling "God Gave Us You," and popular historical series like Homeward, Grand Tour, and more. She's also a recipient of the RT Lifetime Achievement Award. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and three teen-and-older children.
Colorado Springs: Glamorous Illusions (David C Cook/June 1, 2012/ISBN: 978-1-4347-6430-0), the first release in Lisa Bergren’s new Grand Tour series, is a beautiful exploration of the covenant connection between God the Father and His children. Through the story of Cora Kensington, Bergren takes her audience on a European adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awareness, and self-discovery.
A person often identifies themself by their family, profession, or circumstances. However, as Christians, what would happen if we began to better understand our true identity in Christ? It is this spiritual journey that author Bergren guides readers through in Glamorous Illusions.
It was the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington’s life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, so is her father’s health. Cora is carrying on, helping her mother run their Montana farm until a stranger comes to call, and everything changes. Cora then learns a secret that will radically change her future: she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king who has come to claim her.
Cora is invited to take the “Grand Tour” of Europe, a journey intended to finish a person’s education, to solidify an understanding of ancient culture and contemporary refinement. As she travels from England to France with half-siblings she’s never known, Cora encounters the blessings of the Kensington family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning.
Faced with the challenge of accepting her father, new family, and the identity that comes with it, Cora also struggles to accept that she is also the daughter of the one true King—a Father who is the only One who can truly heal. “Glamorous Illusions" is not only Cora’s journey toward understanding true identity in Christ, but it will help every reader understand it better too,” explains Bergren. “It’s an examination of the bond between the Father and his child.”
Each member of the traveling group expects an outer cultural journey of refinement, but each will also wrestle with their own sins and inner conflicts. Ultimately, they explore what truly informs a person’s sense of identity. Readers will be able to join Cora and the other Kensingtons and Morgans as they continue their Grand Tour, discovering new lands, new cultures, and new aspects of themselves, in the upcoming installments Grave Consequences (Spring 2013) and Glittering Promises (Fall 2013).
My review: Glamorous Illusions by Lisa Bergren is a beautiful work of grand adventure and inner discovery. I LOVED Bergren's River of Time Series, which was more geared towards teens. Bergern has mentioned in some interviews that this series features a heroine who is a little older than the heroines of the River of Time Series. This would perhaps be the young adults, college years, and early 20s. Cora Kensington is finding her place in this world, stepping out, and finding her wings. This main character of this book is right around the age I am now, but I loved the River of Time Series and I feel that women of all ages will find something they can relate to in this book.
Bergren always brings a fresh, distinct voice to her work. Even though the main character, Cora, lives in 1913, she struggles with universal issues that the reader feels like they can relate to as well. She struggles with her identity, anger at her family, and worry about her future (just to name a few). Bergren presents Cora as strong and full of heart, creating her to be someone I feel young women will connect with and be inspired by.
Bergren's secondary characters are characters that I felt myself becoming attached to. They are well-written, multi-dimensional characters. The readers comes to change their opinion about many of these characters as the book progresses, as does Cora.
Lastly, I just truly enjoyed getting caught up in the Grand Tour and traveling with Cora. It was interesting learning the history about the places she traveled. I love all of the lavish descriptions of the places they tour in Europe and I cannot wait for the next installment of the Grand Tour!
This is a clean read. I give this book 5 stars!
I want to thank David C Cook, Lisa Bergren, & NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review.The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255. Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The River of Time Series: All the romance and suspense of Twilight, with none of the vampires.
I bought the first book in the River of Time series, Waterfall, back in 2011, right when it was released. I was drawn to it because it seemed to be full of everything I loved: knights, medieval history, castles, chivalry, romance, and a kick-butt heroine. It seemed like a clean read, yet still promised a lot of romance. Yes, I knew I would love it. O yes, yes, I did. I consumed this book like there was no tomorrow. I pre-ordered the next one and the next. They fulfilled my expectations and more!
Waterfall is the first in the River of Time series by Lisa Bergren. In this book, the reader is introduced to the main character Gabi Betarrini, and her sister, Lia, who also plays a huge part in the series. Gabi, the eldest, is the more outgoing of the two. Lia is the quieter one who excels at archery (a skill which comes in very handy later on in the series). Their parents are famous archaeologists. Gabi and Lia always have to tag along with their parents to archaeological sites in Tuscany, Italy during their summer vacations. Their father has recently died from an accident at a dig and their mother has been very distant. One day at one of the dig sites, the two sisters put their hands on a hand print in an ancient tomb and travel back in time to fourteenth-century Italy! When they emerge in this new time period, they are in the middle of a skirmish between several knights. Luckily, they end up with Marcello and Luca, two of the good knights in the fight. They may be safe for a time, but they are caught up in a war that is a lot bigger than they bargained for. They even find themselves taking up arms, trying out some moves, and finding that they are pretty good at medieval combat. There's an even bigger war for their hearts...especially Gabi's with the gorgeous Marcello. Will she even want to go home after meeting the man of her dreams?
Cascade is the second book in the series. Gabi and Lia have returned home, but Gabi wants to to go back to Marcello, a dashing knight who has stolen her heart, and who also lives in the 14th century. She also has another problem: she cannot go unless her sister returns along with her. Lia is a little more reluctant and practical. Their lives will be at risk, because they do not know how the time travel operates. They may not survive or be able to return. They will also be returning to a time that is fraught with dangers and politically charged. Lia does finally agree. This time, their mom comes along. When they arrive, it is a few months later and Gabi and Lia are famous for helping to win the battle for Siena against Firenze. They are not yet free from the danger as the enemy seeks to retaliate. The mighty She-Wolves of Siena (what Gabi and Lia have been nicknamed) must draw weapons with their men once again as their safety is threatened. Their mother adapts well to the culture and joins in the fight. She and the girls finally start to connect and grow closer in the midst of the battle. Gabi's love for Marcello has grown to the point where she has considered marriage with him. The only problem is that if she marries him, she will be forcing her sister and mom to stay with her in the past. She also has another reason for possibly going home. She and her family have played with the idea that they could possibly go through time and rescue her father. But it is a lot to risk, not knowing how the time travel operates. What will she choose?
Torrent is the third book in the series. For reasons explained in the book, the Betarrini family travels back in time once again to fourteenth-century Italy, knowing they will be braving the Black Plague, one of the most ravaging pandemics in history. The battle between Siena and Florence also continues and their lives are at risk. Throw in kidnapping, a forced marriage and imprisonment and it makes for quite the suspenseful read. Gabi is set up in an arranged political marriage to Lord Greco, an ambassador for Firenze. Will Gabi be rescued by Marcello or be forced to marry someone she does not love? Or does she? What about the confusing feelings she starts to develop for Lord Greco? What is Lord Greco's real role in the story? What is the fate of the She-wolves of Siena?
On all three of the books:
Bergen writes in a style to which teens will be able to relate. I love Gabi's comments and thoughts; sometimes humorous, other times sarcastic. The story is full of plot twists, making my heart pound throughout most of every book. I had to keep turning the page to find out what happened next. Each book got better than the previous one.
All of the characters are very well done. Each is fleshed out and I feel like I know them. I especially love Gabi's character. She is certainly the "kick-butt, full of heart" heroine that I was hoping for. She isn't perfect and struggles with real-life issues. I appreciate her struggle (in Cascade) with whether to marry Marcello and force her family to stay in the past, or be forever separated from her one true love. That is a really tough decision. What would you do if you had to make that choice?
I love that these books are full of romance and suspense, both things I enjoy in a good read. Faith is interwoven into the series, but in such a way that it is not preachy. The lessons are ones that can apply to anyone, not just teens, and I found myself growing in my faith as I was reading these stories. I have thoroughly enjoyed these books and give them five stars! They are all clean reads.
I am looking forward to reading Bourne, which came out February 27, 2012 and features Lord Rodolfo Greco on the cover. I was so happy when I heard Lisa Bergren was going to be writing this. It is an e-novella and it is #3.1 in the River of Time Series.
BOURNE SUMMARY (from www.lisatawnbergren.com):
In this e-novella, River of Time #3.1, the dramatic tale about the Betarrinis and Forellis continues, picking up directly after where Torrent left off… The battle is done at the front, but the battle is only beginning back at Castello Forelli. Marcello fights for his life; Lord Greco fights to find his place; and Lia fights for love.
