by Lisa T. Bergren
Grand Tour series, Book 1
Historical Christian Fiction / Romance
Available June 2012
David C. Cook
416 pages
About the Book
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.
My Thoughts
Oh my! I'll admit that I was in a bit of a "reading slump" when I picked up Glamorous Illusions. A few chapters in, though, my slump was over!
Cora arrives home to her family's Montana farm to find that her father's health has taken a nosedive. As they struggle to take care of the farm, a stranger shows up with (seemingly) all the answers to their problems. Much to her dismay, Cora is whisked away to meet family she never knew existed and to spend the summer touring around Europe with them. The longer she is in Europe, the more she learns about herself and her need to trust in God.
I absolutely devoured this book. I loved Cora and could literally feel her shame and embarrassment as she navigated a new lifestyle in Europe. The Christian element is strong—in that Cora is constantly being brought around to remember that God is teaching her through this—without being preachy. I was intrigued by the rest of the traveling party and hope that some of their stories will come to light more in future books. Even though they annoyed me at times, I still found myself liking them.
As far as the romance goes, I was positively giddy at one point and found myself staying up WAY too late into the night to try to figure out which man would win Cora's heart. The only bad thing I can think to say is that the book is over and I have to wait until next spring for the next in the series! [5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from David C. Cook Publishers and Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Oh my! I'll admit that I was in a bit of a "reading slump" when I picked up Glamorous Illusions. A few chapters in, though, my slump was over!
Cora arrives home to her family's Montana farm to find that her father's health has taken a nosedive. As they struggle to take care of the farm, a stranger shows up with (seemingly) all the answers to their problems. Much to her dismay, Cora is whisked away to meet family she never knew existed and to spend the summer touring around Europe with them. The longer she is in Europe, the more she learns about herself and her need to trust in God.
I absolutely devoured this book. I loved Cora and could literally feel her shame and embarrassment as she navigated a new lifestyle in Europe. The Christian element is strong—in that Cora is constantly being brought around to remember that God is teaching her through this—without being preachy. I was intrigued by the rest of the traveling party and hope that some of their stories will come to light more in future books. Even though they annoyed me at times, I still found myself liking them.
As far as the romance goes, I was positively giddy at one point and found myself staying up WAY too late into the night to try to figure out which man would win Cora's heart. The only bad thing I can think to say is that the book is over and I have to wait until next spring for the next in the series! [5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from David C. Cook Publishers and Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 30 books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. Among others she is the author of a recent Colorado historical trilogy (Breathe, Sing, and Claim) and the widely-acclaimed teen series River of Time.
Lisa's time is split between managing home base, writing (including a fair amount of travel writing), consulting and freelance editing (with a little speaking here and there). She's married to Tim, a liturgical sculptor, graphic designer and musician. They have three kids—Olivia, Emma, and Jack. The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Lisa Tawn Bergren Online
Giveaway
If you somehow missed out on picking this up last week when it was free for ebook, or if you just like having a hard copy better, the publisher has graciously allowed me to host a giveaway! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway runs through Thursday, June 14. Open to US residents only.
(The ebook is on sale for the next two weeks as well: $2.99 on June 9-15 and $4.99 on June 16-22.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'd go to Germany-since I'm 3/4 German, Ireland-because it is SO beautiful, and Mexico-Because I want on a mission trip to a children's home there and I REALLY want to go back!
ReplyDeletei would love to visit France, Italy and Greece. The art, history and beauty draws me to these countries.
ReplyDeleteWorthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Thanks for the great review, my friend!
ReplyDeleteOnly three? I'd go to Niagra Falls, Alaska, and... maybe Colorado to see the mountains?
ReplyDeleteThe cover on this book is lovely, it really makes me want to read the story.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to go to England since I've read so many books set there. Where else? I don't really know. I don't really dream of visiting other places. I'm pretty content where I am.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
I'd love to go to Italy, Australia and Egypt! There's so much history there and I'm a huge nerd =) Lisa Bergren is WONDERFUL author and I've never picked up a book of hers that I read straight through the night. Great review, I can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteI would love this book and I would love to visit Italy since that is where my family is from.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing where everyone wants to visit! No way I could choose only three, but three places I've never been but want to visit are China, Uganda (to see our Compassion kids), and Italy. Good luck, everyone!
ReplyDeleteAustralia, Italy and Greece.
ReplyDeleteI am so bummed I missed this book while it was free last week- traveling :-(
I'd want to go to Belize and see the Mayan ruins, France and see the Eiffel Tower, and anywhere on the beautiful Mediterranean so I could enjoy the clear blue ocean. =) Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDelete~Shelby
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