Grave Consequences by Lisa T. BergrenISBN: 978-1-4347-6432-4
Paperback, 443 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook
Retail: 14.99
About the book:
The Powerful, Epic Romance Continues, Book 2 in Lisa T. Begren's Grand Tour series
For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future-her very life-depends on the decisions she'll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone's plans in danger.
And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.
About the author:
Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of more than thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. She has written fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages—children, teens and adults. A former publishing executive, Bergren now divides her time between writing, freelance editing, and ministry.
Bergren loves to travel, especially for writing research, and dreams of her next trip to Italy. Lisa and her husband, Tim, are the parents of three and live in Colorado Springs, CO.
Learn more about Lisa T. Bergren at her online home,www.lisatawnbergren.com. Readers can also join Bergren’s Facebook fan page or follow her on Twitter.
My thoughts:
I read the first book and while it wasn't a favorite I did enjoy the scene descriptions and historical aspects. I will preface the rest of my review with this: I do not enjoy romances or 'chick flick' books and this is both, with some suspense, mystery, some humor and historical fiction in the mix. Reading the first book will give background info that will help some with this second book in the Grand Tour series. I do think you could read it without having read the first but you may be confused at points.
It has been awhile since I read the first so some of the relationships between characters I had to relearn. Basically the young adults of the rich Kensington and Morgan families are taking their Grand Tour of Europe. This was quite customary for the wealthy in the 19th and early 20th century (and earlier). The group is accompanied by a 'bear' -their guide and protector on the trip. He plots the tour, secures lodging with influential families throughout the regions they visit and gives lectures and instigates thought provoking experiences as they travel. In these books the bear is accompanied by his nephew, Will.
One important rule as bear and bear-in-training, is to not become involved emotionally with the members of the group. Of course that is exactly what happens. It began in the first book and reaches its climax in this one.
There is death, conspiracy, lies, deceit, betrayal, and love (fortunately it's mild or I would not have been able to finish the book!), as well as much history.
I will say that I didn't particularly care for the 'soap opera' feel of it. There were also a few things with the writing style that kept catching me up. A phrase or description used too often or too close together. Another was when Will is dismissed as bear and Pierre takes over, in a sense, but he talks the same way as Will. In my mind his voice is Will's and not Pierre's because she (the author) did not continue with his (Pierre's) usual manner.
And finally, although the book is "Christian" (how loosely that is used nowadays!), I didn't feel much truly was Christian about it or the characters. I felt it somewhat more in the first book. The two main characters are constantly praying to God to show them or tell them what to do but then they do their own thing- and go back to asking the same thing!
I will leave this review on a positive note: the descriptions of the historical aspects were very well done. I could picture in my mind how the places looked, how the clothing fit, and somewhat the culture of the time. I enjoyed the history lessons, first because they were history, but also we get a glimpse of the impact on those who get to be in the place where it happened.
It has been awhile since I read the first so some of the relationships between characters I had to relearn. Basically the young adults of the rich Kensington and Morgan families are taking their Grand Tour of Europe. This was quite customary for the wealthy in the 19th and early 20th century (and earlier). The group is accompanied by a 'bear' -their guide and protector on the trip. He plots the tour, secures lodging with influential families throughout the regions they visit and gives lectures and instigates thought provoking experiences as they travel. In these books the bear is accompanied by his nephew, Will.
One important rule as bear and bear-in-training, is to not become involved emotionally with the members of the group. Of course that is exactly what happens. It began in the first book and reaches its climax in this one.
There is death, conspiracy, lies, deceit, betrayal, and love (fortunately it's mild or I would not have been able to finish the book!), as well as much history.
I will say that I didn't particularly care for the 'soap opera' feel of it. There were also a few things with the writing style that kept catching me up. A phrase or description used too often or too close together. Another was when Will is dismissed as bear and Pierre takes over, in a sense, but he talks the same way as Will. In my mind his voice is Will's and not Pierre's because she (the author) did not continue with his (Pierre's) usual manner.
And finally, although the book is "Christian" (how loosely that is used nowadays!), I didn't feel much truly was Christian about it or the characters. I felt it somewhat more in the first book. The two main characters are constantly praying to God to show them or tell them what to do but then they do their own thing- and go back to asking the same thing!
I will leave this review on a positive note: the descriptions of the historical aspects were very well done. I could picture in my mind how the places looked, how the clothing fit, and somewhat the culture of the time. I enjoyed the history lessons, first because they were history, but also we get a glimpse of the impact on those who get to be in the place where it happened.
If you read the book and enjoyed it, I’m glad. Mrs. Bergren does have a very good writing style. If you are wanting to read this book, you may very well like it because of all the reasons I didn’t.
Either way, you won’t want to miss the giveaway associated with this book:
Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!
One "grand" winner receive:
- A brand new iPad Mini
- Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for stopping by my blog. Please leave a comment, I love them! Have a great day! ~Blossom
PS: all comments are moderated so you won't see it posted immediately :)