Glamorous Illusions (Grand Tour Series #1) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Title: Glamorous Illisions

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Series: 1st

Pages: 416

Published: June 1st 2012 by David C. Cook 

ISBN: 9781434764300

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.


I Give This ...

After reading her River of Time series, I was more than willing to give Bergren's other's books a shot as well.  When this one came on my radar, I really loved the sound of it.  And while I didn't get the overly Christian fictions feel with her series, I thought this one might have a little bit more.  I was right, and also completely ok with it.

I really loved the lavish backdrop that this story is set in.  Who doesn't love the traditional rags to riches story.   I love that Cora is bound and determined to show that she can be different.  She shows how her upbringing has affected who she is.   But, it's also apparent that some of her characteristics come from her father.   I think that is definitely something she needs to come to terms with over the course of this book.  She does a very good job of coming to terms with what has happened to her, but she also needs to realize her place within the family might not be exactly what she thought.

I've never heard of the Grand Tour before and found the concept fascinating.  The American rich trying to pretend they are some new generation of nobility by mimicking what they do for their coming of age children.   I wonder what European nobility thought of the practice when it first began.  I think it would be fun to be an outsider looking in on all of this.   The idea of being able to attend all of these functions and learn about all the history in each country sounds awesome.  

I liked the family dynamics behind all this.  Her father surprised me the most.  From the little we do get to see of him, I didn't like him very much.  But, by pushing Cora to accept who she is on her own (plus admitting his own faults and failures) show what kind of man he is.  I liked her siblings because I think they were true to who they were plus how they should be in the situation.  I also really enjoyed William and look forward to were the story goes with is character.

I will be continuing this series.  I think I found another winner with Bergren!

The Wolf of Tebron (The Gates of Heaven, #1) by Susanne C.S.Lakin

Title: The Wolf of Tebron

Author: Susanne C.S. Lakin

Series: 1st in planned series

Published: August 13, 2010 by AMG Publishers

Pages: 272

ISBN: 9780899578880

 Source: sent for review

Description: A young blacksmith must undertake a perilous journey to the four ends of the world to rescue his wife, who is held captive by the Moon. Along the way, he befriends a powerful wolf who encourages, protects, and ultimately sacrifices his life to save his human friend. A stirring allegory of Gods love in classic fairy tale tradition.

 I Give This ...

 

I was intrigued by the email I received pitching this book.  It was described as being along the same lines as The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings.  So, I accepted.  I'm glad I did.  I loved the fantasy world the author was able to create.  It felt very real and definitely had the same feel and The Chronicles of Narnia.  I loved how each journey was set up and how the scenery changed with each one.

The characters were interesting.  I was surprised at how fast Joran decided to take his journey.  But, he did whine about it a lot along the way.  It was a constant battle of not knowing what he was doing, were he was going, or why he was doing it.  Sometimes it wasn't very convincing why he continued on.  Ruyah, the wolf was fabulous.  He was the backbone of the story I felt.  His actions proved his loyalty to Joran.  In fact there was lots of animal interactions that I thought contributed to the story greatly.

It was a wonderful story with Joran journey to the house of The Moon, The Sun, and The South Wind.  Each interaction was beautifully set up.  Joran learns a lot about himself and about humans in general and each location.  Along the way, Ruyah provides thoughtful words of advice and anecdotes.

The only draw back for me was the ending.  I just didn't feel it like I thought I should have.  It left me wondering if I didn't connect with the characters as much as I thought.  But, overall a wonderful story that draws some interesting parallels and really makes you think. 

The Silent Gift by Michael Landon Jr & Cindy Kelley

Title: The Silent Gift
Author: Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley
Published: October 2009 by Bethany House
Pages: 368
ISBN: 9780764203633

Description: The 1930s were a decade of enormous uncertainty--for the world, for America, and in particular for one lonely, struggling mother and her disabled son. Their story is one of love and enormous sacrifices in the face of circumstances horrendous beyond belief. When her husband leaves her for someone whose time isn't wrapped up in a silent, handicapped kid, Mary and little Luke are out on their own in a world that has no room for the poor and disabled. Especially not at a time when most Americans are simply trying to survive their economic woes and job losses. But then arrives The Gift...where has it come from, and why? How can a young boy who can neither hear nor speak provide comfort, direction, and sometimes challenges to seekers who learn of the special ability? Whatever the source, its presence brings a single shaft of light and hope to Mary and her beloved Luke. Will it be enough?

I Give This Book 4.5 Stars!

I have to say what first drew me to this book was the author.  But, the description sounded interesting as well.  The first chapter draws you in quickly.  I was a little nervous about the religious connections in this book at first, but the story never came across as preachy.  In fact, I ended up really enjoying that aspect of it.  The story is set in the 30's, but it felt very modern most of the time.  I think what I ended up identifying most with was Mary and her actions.  She sacrificed everything for her son.  The book was a refreshing change from the normal books I read.  I couldn't put it down!

* A special thanks to Elliott Wallach from Edify Media for the opportunity to review this book.