I'm participating in Litfuse's blog tour for Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren.
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.
MY THOUGHTS:
I am only familiar with Lisa T. Bergren from her children's book: God Gave Us You (which my husband and I love and read to our daughter and son from belly to toddlerhood)! It's hard to know what to expect from an author
when you've only read a tender story of a baby cub and Mama Bear. ;-)
when you've only read a tender story of a baby cub and Mama Bear. ;-)
I honestly don't know what it was, but Glamorous Illusions drew me in from the very first page. I felt as though I was reading a 'comfortable' book; the language and tone were relaxing and connected me with the characters right from the start.
Cora arrives at the family farm on summer break only to be greeted with disaster. Just a short time later, even more shocking news turns her life upside down. As Cora reels from the long-hidden secrets, she reluctantly leaves her familiar world behind, struggling with her identity and purpose as she heads to Europe with frosty strangers.
Some of the facts that the 'bears' (tour guides) rattled on about seemed a bit dry and boring. I can only imagine that the privileged men and women taking these tours weren't as interested in historical tidbits as our characters seemed to be. Still, I found the history of the European 'Grand Tours' for wealthy young people fascinating and a fresh backdrop for a novel.
I didn't care for our 'Christian' heroine drinking. Trying to wash down her first (disgusting) taste of caviar with champagne was one thing, but she didn't seem to regularly abstain from alcohol.
The other thing I didn't care for: book 2 isn't ready yet!
Cora seems to make a firm decision about herself, but I can't tell if she's steadfast in that decision or not. And then there's Pierre. And Will. Oh, and what a heart-pounding chase through secret passages in a castle!
Yes, not happy that book 2 wasn't ready for me to pick up when I finished that last sentence! And, I think I have to wait until March of next year for Grave Consequences!!
So, my first grown-up book by Lisa did not disappoint. Anxiously awaiting more...!
That's what I thought! CLICK HERE to read what other reviewers had to say about Lisa's newest book!
That's what I thought! CLICK HERE to read what other reviewers had to say about Lisa's newest book!
GIVEAWAY ALERT!
Celebrate with Lisa by entering her Glamorous Illusions Giveaway (click below)!
One "glamorous" winner will receive a "Glam Prize Pack":
- A $350 Visa Cash Card (Oh ... think of what you could do: treat yourself to a mani/pedi, a fabulous new dress, dinner for two, or even a two-night escape in a lovely hotel - you're only limited by your imagination!)
- Glamorous Illusions (by Lisa Tawn Begren)
So grab a few of your friends and your copy of Glamorous Illusions and join Lisa on the evening of June 27th for an evening of fun.
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!
Thank you to Lisa and David C. Cook, through Litfuse, for sending me a copy to read and review!
Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.
**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**
